Abstract:
Over the next few years the aviation industry will face the challenge to develop a new
generation of air vehicles characterised by high aerodynamic efficiency and low environmental
impact. The technologies currently available, however, are inadequate to meet
the demanding performance requirements and to comply with the stringent regulations
in terms of polluting emissions.
An innovative and very promising solution is offered by airframe morphing technologies.
Morphing wing structures, internally actuated and able to change their shape smoothly
to adapt to different loading conditions, would be able to achieve near-optimal lift and
drag profiles throughout all the different phases of the flight. This would enhance the
aircraft aerodynamic performance and contribute to a significant reduction of the fuel
consumption, polluting emissions and noise.
The present study has been conducted as part of the European Commission founded
Seventh Framework Program called \Smart High Lift Device for the Next Generation
Wing" (SADE).
The aim of this research is the development of an effective design of a morphing ap
with flexible trailing edge for a commercial aircraft wing. The investigation focused
on morphing concepts which are suitable for large transport aircraft and which can be
effectively developed and become operational within the next 20 years. For these reasons,
the morphing was limited to the high lift devices of the wing, while the conventional wing
box structure was retained. Cont/d.
