Application of SMA actuation system to skin panels and rib shape modification finalized to new flap devices

This article is focused on numerical and experimental investigations of smart structure concepts, developed through the integration of Smart Materials within a wing skin and rib structure, in order to achieve prescribed surface deformation and flap morphing. Among the large family of Smart Materials, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are considered a suitable solution for many static applications, because of their capability to transmit very large forces and their high structural integration. Explored architectures are aimed at controlling the chamber of a generic airfoil: performance was estimated by a FE approach; SMA behaviour was modelled through a dedicated routine for evaluating the activation temperature and internal stress state. Several configurations corresponding to different actuation strategies, were simulated, with and without aerodynamic loads; the presence of different sets of smart actuators also entitles for multi-stable configurations, able to assume multiple actuation shapes; the most efficient architectures were optimized using a genetic algorithm for further actuation improvements.