Aeroelastic Model for Macrofiber Composite Actuators on Micro Air Vehicles

Abstract

The main focus of this research is the generation of a computational aeroelastic model for a macrofiber composite actuated micro air vehicle. Two M8528-P1 actuators were used to deform the surface of a forward-swept thin, compliant composite wing. The general approach, which included MATLAB, ABAQUS, and Athena Vortex Lattice, is described. The planform design and initial flight testing are discussed. The computational model was validated first with static tests, and then quasi-static wind-tunnel tests were used to validate the aeroelastic model. Digital image correlation was used to compare the expected and measured displacements of the wing. Flight loads were also compared for various angles of attack. The results indicated good agreement for angles of attack well within the standard flight envelope, despite small discrepancies in geometry.

Design study of outboard wing incorporating MFC for a morphing vehicle

“…A ply stack of MFC and unidirectional carbon fiber was used in this partition. Strain values presented by LaCroix and Ifju (2017) using thermal analogy, which represents a change in voltage on the MFC as a virtual increase in temperature in the FEA, were used to implement the MFC actuation strain into the FEA. The boundary condition used for this model was a fixed condition on one end based on the cantilever setup.…”

“…The MFC embedded wing actuated a third of the roll moment compared to conventional ailerons but was adequate for roll control of the planned MAV. LaCroix and Ifju (2017) investigated the application of two M8528-P1 MFC actuators for maximum pitch and roll authority on a forward-swept MAV. Bilgen et al (2009) explored the control authority of MFCs on a variable camber-controlled MAV with a wingspan of 2.5 ft. (0.76 m).…”

Archive of Mechanical Engineering

“…The most modern active elements considered in various types of research are Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) elements which have recently found many interesting applications. In papers [1,2], the design and practical applications of MFC elements are presented. The author of [3] described and investigated the properties of MFC elements.…”