Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Ryerson University
$72,728.00
Development of an aircraft morphing wing using variable geometry truss mechanisms
FY 2010-11
Summary
Recently, there has been a trend in developing morphing airborne technology as innovative replacements for conventional control surfaces to positively affect the aerodynamics, flight performance, and stability of the aircraft. Aircraft wings have garnered the most attention with researchers focusing on airfoil level or wing level morphing. Airfoil level morphing alters the airfoil shape that can affect the local aerodynamics. Wing level morphing, on the other hand, alters the entire wing shape that can positively affect the overall aerodynamics to provide near-optimal performance for all flight regimes.
In this project, the principle of variable geometry truss mechanisms (VGTM) will be applied to provide a systematic way of developing morphing wings. Two advantages result from this concept, integrability and modularity. Integrability means that VGTM can be integrated with wing structural components for morphing wings. Modularity means that VGTM can be constructed in modules to morph wings in sections. Three aspects of fundamental research will be carried out including motion, structure and aerodynamics. A new analysis method called kineto-structural-aerodynamics analysis will be developed for VGTM morphing wings. This method will be capable of performing the interactive analyses of i) the motions between the actuated trusses and all the VGTM modules in order to realize wing morphing; ii) the structural rigidity of the trusses under structural and aerodynamic loading and iii) the two portions of drag polar, lift-induced drag and parasitic drag, for fuel reduction.
This project fits well with Canada's vision set by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada for future research on green aircrafts with low fuel consumption and pollution. The results of this research will lay a foundation for long-term research and development of morphing aircrafts and impact on new aircraft design and manufacturing. The project also provides a good opportunity to train HQP in this emerging field of research.
Program
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Recipient
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
382247-2009
Name nom
Xi, Fengfeng(Jeff)
Department département
Aerospace Engineering
Organization id
43
Institution établissement
Ryerson University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2010
Competition year année de concours
2009
Award amount
72728
Program id
CRDPJ
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
703
Area of application group en
Transportation systems and services
Area of application group fr
Services et systèmes de transport
Area of application en
Aerospace
Area of application fr
Aérospatial
Research subject code
2108
Research subject group en
Mechanical engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie mécanique
Research subject en
Aerospace, aeronautical and automotive engineering
Research subject fr
Génie aérospatial, aéronautique et automobile
Partie
1
Nb partie
3
Application title
Development of an aircraft morphing wing using variable geometry truss mechanisms
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Recently, there has been a trend in developing morphing airborne technology as innovative replacements for conventional control surfaces to positively affect the aerodynamics, flight performance, and stability of the aircraft. Aircraft wings have garnered the most attention with researchers focusing on airfoil level or wing level morphing. Airfoil level morphing alters the airfoil shape that can affect the local aerodynamics. Wing level morphing, on the other hand, alters the entire wing shape that can positively affect the overall aerodynamics to provide near-optimal performance for all flight regimes.
In this project, the principle of variable geometry truss mechanisms (VGTM) will be applied to provide a systematic way of developing morphing wings. Two advantages result from this concept, integrability and modularity. Integrability means that VGTM can be integrated with wing structural components for morphing wings. Modularity means that VGTM can be constructed in modules to morph wings in sections. Three aspects of fundamental research will be carried out including motion, structure and aerodynamics. A new analysis method called kineto-structural-aerodynamics analysis will be developed for VGTM morphing wings. This method will be capable of performing the interactive analyses of i) the motions between the actuated trusses and all the VGTM modules in order to realize wing morphing; ii) the structural rigidity of the trusses under structural and aerodynamic loading and iii) the two portions of drag polar, lift-induced drag and parasitic drag, for fuel reduction.
This project fits well with Canada's vision set by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada for future research on green aircrafts with low fuel consumption and pollution. The results of this research will lay a foundation for long-term research and development of morphing aircrafts and impact on new aircraft design and manufacturing. The project also provides a good opportunity to train HQP in this emerging field of research.
