Optimal design of tendon-actuated morphing structures: nonlinear analysis and parallel algorithm

Smita Bharti; Mary Frecker; George Lesieutre; Deepak Ramrakhyani

doi:10.1117/12.601088

19 May 2005 Optimal design of tendon-actuated morphing structures: nonlinear analysis and parallel algorithm

Smita Bharti, Mary Frecker, George Lesieutre, Deepak Ramrakhyani

Proceedings Volume 5757, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Modeling, Signal Processing, and Control; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.601088
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The idea of a morphing aircraft wing has generated considerable interest in recent years. Such a structure has inherent advantages of possessing high maneuverability and efficiency under different flight conditions such as take off, cruise and loiter. The current focus is on achieving continuous wing shape change, as opposed to discrete, in order to help reduce drag. This research aims to achieve continuous wing morphing by employing a wing structure comprising of an optimized internal layout of cables and struts. Cables are employed as actuators while struts provide rigidity to the wing. In addition to achieving continuous morphing by changing cable length, this structure has the advantage of being light in weight. The focus of this paper is on obtaining an optimized cable and strut layout in the body of the wing. Non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been performed to account for the large deflection requirements. An objective function that considers deflection under actuation and air loads has been incorporated. Results comparing linear and non-linear FEA are presented for a particular wing design. The nonlinear finite element is found to be effective when using large actuation forces.

Citation Download Citation

Smita Bharti, Mary Frecker, George Lesieutre, and Deepak Ramrakhyani "Optimal design of tendon-actuated morphing structures: nonlinear analysis and parallel algorithm", Proc. SPIE 5757, Smart Structures and Materials 2005: Modeling, Signal Processing, and Control, (19 May 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.601088

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