An Experimental and Simulation Study of the Active Camber Morphing Concept on Airfoils Using Bio-Inspired Structures

Abstract

Birds are capable of morphing their wings across different flight modes and speeds to improve their aerodynamic performance. In light of this, the study aims to investigate a more optimized solution compared to conventional structural wing designs. The design challenges faced by the aviation industry today require innovative techniques to improve flight efficiency and minimize environmental impact. This study focuses on the aeroelastic impact validation of wing trailing edge morphing, which undergoes significant structural changes to enhance performance as per mission requirements. The approach to design-concept, modeling, and construction described in this study is generalizable and requires lightweight and actively deformable structures. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the aerodynamic efficiency of an innovative structural design and trailing edge morphing concept compared to conventional wing-flap configurations. The analysis revealed that the maximum displacement at a 30-degree deflection is 47.45 mm, while the maximum stress is 21 MPa. Considering that the yield strength of ABS material is 41.14 MPa, this kerf morphing structure, with a safety factor of 2.5, can withstand both structural and aerodynamic loads. The analysis results of the flap and morph configurations showed a 27% efficiency improvement, which was confirmed through the convergence criteria in ANSYS CFX.

A Rigid-Flexible Coupling Dynamic Model for Robotic Manta with Flexible Pectoral Fins

“…In accordance with the assumptions of Section 3, the computation of the dynamics of the manta robot consists of two following initial value problems (IVP): (1). the passive tree-like PRB dynamics ruling the internal flexible fin motions; (2).…”

“…Bionic underwater robots have presented several desired properties, gradually becoming a rapidly evolving research area in recent years [1,2]. Unlike ordinary underwater vehicles, these bio-inspired robots achieve propulsion through the undulating motion of their flexible bodies and fins.…”

Design and Assessment of Bird-Inspired 3D-Printed Models to Evaluate Grasp Mechanics

“…Robotics for flight is a popular topic of research. For mechanical wing systems, the behavior of birds in adapting to their wing morphologies has been mimicked to maximize aerodynamics under different flight conditions [18]. The leg and claw structures of birds are also a common inspiration for designing landing and takeoff mechanisms.…”

Bioinspired Design Rules from Highly Mineralized Natural Composites for Two-Dimensional Composite Design

“…Natural composites provide an excellent template of tightly balanced design traits optimized over several millennia through evolutionary forces [35,36]. Bioinspired features have guided the development of multiple engineered solutions in recent years [37][38][39]. In the context of 2D natural systems, layered architecture with carefully designed interfaces is the hallmark of many natural composites, allowing them to achieve strength and functionality far exceeding their constituents [35,36].…”