Applications of Active Aeroelastic Wing Technology
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Major
Aerospace Engineering
Research Advisor
Isaac, Kakkattukuzhy M.
Advisor's Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Funding Source
Opportunities for Undergraduate Experience Program (OURE)
Abstract
Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) Technology is an emerging technology in aerospace engineering which combines the fields of aerodynamics and structures. Aircraft featuring AAW Technology utilize wings or control surfaces which can actively deform in an effort to optimize aerodynamic performance. Examples of this technology include the X-29 and X-53. In this research, we designed, manufactured, and tested an active aeroelastic wing as a demonstration of the technology. The vortex lattice method was used to simulate results for comparison against wind tunnel data. The wing features a NACA 0012 airfoil section with a flexible skin and internal mechanical actuators which can be used to induce camber. The idea is that a high lift configuration could be used for a takeoff condition, and a low lift configuration could be used for a cruise condition.
Biography
John Schaefer is a senior studying Aerospace Engineering at Missouri S&T. In his time with the MAE department, he has become involved with numerous projects, including undergraduate research and the Advanced Aero Vehicle Group. After he completes his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, John plans to stay at Missouri S&T for graduate school to obtain a M.S. in Aerospace Engineering. His primary interest is in aerodynamics, and he plans on studying aerodynamic shape optimization for his graduate research.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Engineering poster session, Third place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Applications of Active Aeroelastic Wing Technology
Upper Atrium/Hall
Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) Technology is an emerging technology in aerospace engineering which combines the fields of aerodynamics and structures. Aircraft featuring AAW Technology utilize wings or control surfaces which can actively deform in an effort to optimize aerodynamic performance. Examples of this technology include the X-29 and X-53. In this research, we designed, manufactured, and tested an active aeroelastic wing as a demonstration of the technology. The vortex lattice method was used to simulate results for comparison against wind tunnel data. The wing features a NACA 0012 airfoil section with a flexible skin and internal mechanical actuators which can be used to induce camber. The idea is that a high lift configuration could be used for a takeoff condition, and a low lift configuration could be used for a cruise condition.
Comments
Joint project with Emily Dierkes