A novel morphing control surface design employing piezoelectric Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuators is compared to a servo-actuated system. The comprehensive comparison including aerodynamics, size, weight, power, bandwidth, and reliability has been extended to include flight test comparisons. Flight agility and control response of the morphing-actuated and servo-actuated configurations were quantified through state measurement during identical automated maneuvers. The morphing actuation scheme demonstrated superior response times and a fully controllable vehicle, but was unable to match the magnitude of roll and pitch rates attained by the servo-actuated baseline aircraft. The servo-actuated aircraft exhibited velocity deficits during doublet maneuvers, while the morphing actuation negligibly decreased velocity, demonstrating lower drag and more efficient production of control forces and moments. Reliability cycle testing of an MFC bimorph achieved 1 million cycles without failure and minimal degradation in performance.
Nomenclatureb = Wing span c = Wing chord C l = Roll moment coefficient D = Drag I xx = Roll moment of inertia L = Lift M x = Roll moment p = Roll rate S = Wing reference area V = Velocity ρ = Air density
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