Active Control of Tailored Laminates

Part of a proposed suite of technologies to enable a fully morphing seamless wing, this effort focuses on tailoring composite materials to enhance structural response and generate out-of-plane deflections using in-plane forces. Composite structures employ embedded fibers in different directions to increase strength. This research seeks to investigate the use of tailored composites in these types of applications.

Work to date: An analytical feasibility study completed in 2013 determined that in-plane loading can generate significant out-of-plane displacement, effectively yielding wing twist. Also determined was the degree of structural interaction of stiffeners and how to mitigate the suppression of structural response.

Looking ahead: Future work will concentrate on enabling continuous outer mold line structures that can change shape. This revolutionary new approach for aircraft design will improve performance and fuel efficiency in numerous ways, as seamless wings would reduce drag and streamline and simplify an airplane’s maneuverability.

Benefits

• Economical: Increases fuel efficiency by reducing drag
• Robust: Features a simpler wing design without control surfaces that is easy to maintain and less likely to need repair

Applications

• Commercial aircraft
• General aviation aircraft
• Military transport aircraft