Design and experimental testing of a control system for a morphing wing model actuated with miniature BLDC motors

The paper deals with the design and experimental validation of the actuation mechanism control system for a morphing wing model. The experimental morphable wing model manufactured in this project is a full-size scale wing tip for a real aircraft equipped with an aileron. The morphing actuation of the model is based on a mechanism with four similar in house designed and manufactured actuators, positioned inside the wing on two parallel lines. Each of the four actuators used a BrushLess Direct Current (BLDC) electric motor integrated with a mechanical part performing the conversion of the angular displacements into linear displacements. The following have been chosen as successive steps in the design of the actuator control system: (A) Mathematical and software modelling of the actuator; (B) Design of the control system architecture and tuning using Internal Model Control (IMC) methodology; (C) Numerical simulation of the controlled actuator and its testing on bench and wind tunnel. The morphing wing experimental model is tested both at the laboratory level, with no airflow, to evaluate the components integration and the whole system functioning, but also in the wind tunnel, in the presence of airflow, to evaluate its behavior and the aerodynamic gain.     

A compliant polymorphing wing for small UAVs

This paper presents the development of a novel compliant polymorphing wing capable of chord and camber morphing for small UAVs. The morphing wing can achieve up to 10% chord extension and ±20° camber changes. The design, modeling, sizing, manufacturing and mechanical testing of the wing are detailed. The polymorphing wing consists of one continuous front spar fixed to the fuselage and a rear spar on each side of the wing. Each rear spar can translate in the chordwise direction (chord morphing) and rotate around itself (camber morphing). A flexible elastomeric latex sheet is used as the skin to cover the wing and maintain its aerodynamic shape whilst allowing morphing. The loads from the skin are transferred to the spars using the compliant cellular ribs that support the flexible skin and facilitate morphing. Pre-tensioning is applied to the skin to minimize wrinkling when subject to aerodynamic and actuation loads. A rack and pinion actuation system, powered by stepper motors, is used for morphing. Aero-structural design, analysis and sizing are conducted. Performance comparison between the polymorphing wing and the baseline wing (non-morphing) shows that chord morphing improves aerodynamic efficiency at low angles of attack while camber morphing improves efficiency at high angles of attack.     

Continuous morphing trailing-edge wing concept based on multi-stable nanomaterial

Morphing technology is one of the most effective methods to improve the flight efficiency of aircraft. Traditional control surfaces based morphing method is mature and widely used on current civil and military aircraft, but insufficiently effective for the entire flight envelope. Recent research on morphing wing still faces the challenge that the skin material for morphing should be both deformable and stiff. In this study, a continuous morphing trailing-edge wing with a new multi-stable nano skin material fabricated using surface mechanical attrition treatment technology was proposed and designed. Computational fluid dynamics simulation was used to study the aerodynamic performance of the continuous morphing trailing-edge wing. Results show that the lift coefficient increases with the increase of deflection angle and so does the lift-drag ratio at a small angle of attack. More importantly, compared with the wing using flaps, the continuous morphing trailing-edge wing can reduce drag during the morphing process and its overall aerodynamic performance is improved at a large angle of attack range. Flow field analysis reveals that the continuous morphing method can delay flow separation in some situations.     

折叠翼变体飞行器非定常气动特性实验研究

折叠翼变体飞行器是一种可以在飞行中改变自身气动外形的新型飞行器。研制出了一种折叠翼变体飞行器的风洞实验模型,在风洞实验中测得了模型不同变体位置下的气动力以及进行变体运动时气动力的动态变化过程,并通过PIV实验手段获得模型周围的流场在变体运动过程中的变化情况。结果表明：在机翼变形过程中,折叠翼模型有明显的非定常气动现象产生,而且折叠变形的速度越大,非定常现象越明显。出现非定常现象的主要原因是变体运动对机翼前缘涡的影响。     

折叠机翼变体飞机非对称变形控制效率分析

折叠机翼变体飞机变形量大,变形引起的气动参数变化显著,提出一种将非对称变形作为操纵输入的控制方案,研究非对称变形的控制效率和有效区间。首先建立能够完整描述变形过程的非线性动力学方程和气动力模型;然后基于非对称变形控制方法建立一种非对称变形操纵模型;最后通过与常规操纵面效率对比和仿真的动态响应总结出非对称变形操纵的最大变形操纵有效区间。结果表明:在较低飞行速度下非对称变形操纵效率高,非对称变形操纵能够在基准折叠角度90°附近提供最高的滚转操纵效率。     

压电驱动器的气动弹性应用

 随着压电智能材料与结构的发展,压电驱动器在气动弹性控制领域占据重要地位。使用压电驱动器控制翼面变形,利用而不是抵抗气动弹性效应可以控制升力、力矩以及它们的分布。采用基本相同的智能结构翼面控制系统,根据不同的控制目标需求,使用压电智能材料驱动器可以达到多种目的,包括静态的形状控制与动态的颤振抑制、抖振控制与阵风响应控制。静态控制方面例如改变翼面形状获得附加空气动力以增加升力、提供横滚力矩、改变升力分布以减小诱导阻力或减小翼根弯矩等;动态控制例如利用改变翼面形状产生的附加空气动力作为控制载荷,改变气动弹性系统的耦合程度,根据控制效果要求可作为气动阻尼、气动刚度或气动质量。这种控制方法可以减轻结构重量,提高操纵效率,扩大飞行包线,提高材料利用率,已成为可变形飞行器的重要研究内容。本文主要阐述压电驱动器气动弹性应用的动机与机理、发展与成就以及问题与展望。     

Z型翼变体飞机的纵向多体动力学特性

机翼变形时,变体飞机的翼面积、惯性特性、全机焦点和重心位置等均会发生较大的变化,从而引起飞机的动态特性也随之改变。为此对机翼变形过程中的Z型翼变体飞机进行了纵向多体动力学建模仿真;推导了变形过程中变体飞机的六自由度非线性动力学方程,并通过简化得到了解耦后的纵向动力学方程。机翼折叠动态过程的气动特性数值模拟结果表明,不同折叠角速度下飞机的气动力相差不大。在机翼折叠角速度较小且忽略非定常气动效应的情况下,采用气动力准定常假设对变形过程中不同机翼折叠角速度下变体飞机的纵向响应进行了数值仿真,并研究了重心位置移动和气动特性变化对飞机变形过程动态特性的影响规律。结果表明,折叠过程中气动特性的变化是影响飞机动态特性的主要因素,机翼折叠后飞机的速度和迎角增加,且飞行高度下降较大。     

变体飞机设计的主要关键技术

针对变体飞机的特点,分析了其在设计中出现的诸多新的技术难点,对拟解决的主要关键技术,包括变体飞机不同于常规固定构型飞机的总体及气动协调设计、机翼智能结构设计、可控性设计与飞行控制系统设计等进行了详细介绍。研究结果对于变体飞机的设计具有一定参考价值。     

伸缩机翼变体飞机气动特性研究

伸缩机翼变体飞机通过机翼伸缩调整机翼展长,从而改变机翼面积和展弦比,改变飞机的气动布局和机翼的气动特性,满足多任务点的设计要求。简要介绍伸缩机翼变体飞机的发展历史,重点研究一种采用伸缩机翼设计的超音速飞机的气动特性变化。研究结果表明：亚音速时机翼展长伸长,展弦比增大,飞机诱导阻力降低,升阻比提高,可以明显提高飞机的航程;超音速时机翼展长缩短,展弦比减小,飞机的波阻降低,升阻比增大,提高了超音速飞行性能。伸缩机翼概念用于超音速飞机设计时能很好地兼顾亚音速巡航和超音速冲刺。     

Design,modeling, and control of morphing aircraft:A review

A morphing aircraft can adapt its configuration to suit different types of tasks, which is also an important requirement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAV). The successful development of an unmanned morphing aircraft involves three steps that determine its ability and intelligent: configuration design, dynamic modeling and flight control. This study conducts a comprehensive survey of morphing aircraft. First, the methods to design the configuration of a morphing aircraft are presented and analyzed...     

Gain self-scheduled H_∞ control for morphing aircraft in the wing transition process based on an LPV model

This article investigates gain self-scheduled H 1 robust control system design for a tailless fold- ing-wing morphing aircraft in the wing shape varying process. During the wing morphing phase, the aircraft’s dynamic response will be governed by time-varying aerodynamic forces and moments. Nonlinear dynamic equations of the morphing aircraft are linearized by using Jacobian linearization approach, and a linear parameter varying (LPV) model of the morphing aircraft in wing folding is obtained. A multi-loop controller for the morphing aircraft is formulated to guarantee stability for the wing shape transition process. The proposed controller uses a set of inner-loop gains to provide stability using classical techniques, whereas a gain self-scheduled H 1 outer-loop controller is devised to guarantee a specific level of robust stability and performance for the time-varying dynamics. The closed-loop simulations show that speed and altitude vary slightly during the whole wing folding process, and they converge rapidly after the process ends. This proves that the gain self-scheduled H 1 robust controller can guarantee a satisfactory dynamic performance for the morphing aircraft during the whole wing shape transition process. Finally, the flight control system’s robustness for the wing folding process is verified according to uncertainties of the aerodynamic parameters in the nonlinear model.     

Delaying stall of morphing wing by periodic trailing-edge deflection

Morphing wings can improve aircraft performance during different flight phases. Recently research has focused on steady aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing wing with a flexible trailing-edge, and the unsteady aerodynamic and stall characteristics in the deflection process of the morphing wing are worthy further investigation. The effects of the angle of attack and deflection rate on aerodynamic characteristics were examined, and based on the aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing wing, a method was developed to delay stall by using the flexible periodic trailing-edge deflection. The numerical results show that the lift coefficients in the deflection process are smaller than those in the static situation at small angles of attack, and that the higher the deflection rate is, the smaller the lift coefficients will be. On the contrary, at large angles of attack, the lift coefficients are higher than those in the static case, and they become larger with the increase of the deflection rate. Further, the periodic deflection of the flexible trailing-edge with a small deflection amplitude and high deflection rate can increase lift coefficients at the critical stall angle.     

变体飞行器控制系统综述

介绍了变体飞行器控制系统和涉及的控制理论问题。分析了变体飞行器的控制系统,指出变体飞行器的控制系统由变形控制层和飞行控制层组成。对变体飞行器的硬件结构和变体飞行器控制方法的研究现状进行了阐述。分析了集中式和分布式两种变形机械结构以及控制系统体系结构,提出采用总线网络连接变形结构的分布式元件。总结了变体飞行器需深入研究的变形控制和飞行控制问题,包括大尺度变体飞行器的飞行控制问题,通信受约束的大数目的驱动器的协调控制问题。     

Integrated optimization design of smart morphing wing for accurate shape control

Smart morphing wing, which is equipped with smart materials and able to change structural geometry adaptively, can further improve aerodynamic efficiency of aircraft. This paper presents a new integrated layout and topology optimization design for morphing wing driven by shape memory alloys (SMAs). By simultaneously optimizing the layout of smart actuators and topology of wing substrate, the ultimately determined configuration can achieve smooth, continuous and accurate geometric shape changes. In addition, aerodynamic analysis is carried out to compare smart morphing wing with traditional hinged airfoil. Finally, the optimized smart wing structure is constructed and tested to demonstrate and verify the morphing functionality. Application setbacks are also pointed out for further investigation.     

Morphing wing flaps for large civil aircraft: Evolution of a smart technology across the Clean Sky program

Morphing wing structures are widely considered among the most promising technologies for the improvement of aerodynamic performances in large civil aircraft. The controlled adaptation of the wing shape to external operative conditions naturally enables the maximization of aircraft aerodynamic efficiency, with positive fallouts on the amount of fuel burned and pollutant emissions. The benefits brought by morphing wings at aircraft level are accompanied by the criticalities of the enabling technologies, mainly involving weight penalties, overconsumption of electrical power, and safety issues. The attempt to solve such criticalities passes through the development of novel design approaches, ensuring the consolidation of reliable structural solutions that are adequately mature for certification and in-flight operations. In this work, the development phases of a multimodal camber morphing wing flap, tailored for large civil aircraft applications, are outlined with specific reference to the activities addressed by the author in the framework of the Clean Sky program.The flap is morphed according to target shapes depending on aircraft flight conditions and defined to enhance high-lift performances during takeoff and landing, as well as wing aerodynamic efficiency during cruise. An innovative system based on finger-like robotic ribs driven by electromechanical actuators is proposed as morphing-enabling technology; the maturation process of the device is then traced from the proof of concept to the consolidation of a true-scale demonstrator for pre-flight ground validation tests. A step-by-step approach involving the design and testing of intermediate demonstrators is then carried out to show the compliance of the adaptive system with industrial standards and safety requirements. The technical issues encountered during the development of each intermediate demonstrator are critically analyzed, and justifications are provided for all the adopted engineering solutions. Finally, the layout of the true-scale demonstrator is presented, with emphasis on the architectural strengths, enabling the forthcoming validation in real operative conditions.     

Unsteady aerodynamics and flow control for flapping wing flyers

The creation of micro air vehicles (MAVs) of the same general sizes and weight as natural fliers has spawned renewed interest in flapping wing flight. With a wingspan of approximately 15 cm and a flight speed of a few meters per second, MAVs experience the same low Reynolds number (10⁴–10⁵) flight conditions as their biological counterparts. In this flow regime, rigid fixed wings drop dramatically in aerodynamic performance while flexible flapping wings gain efficacy and are the preferred propulsion method for small natural fliers. Researchers have long realized that steady-state aerodynamics does not properly capture the physical phenomena or forces present in flapping flight at this scale. Hence, unsteady flow mechanisms must dominate this regime. Furthermore, due to the low flight speeds, any disturbance such as gusts or wind will dramatically change the aerodynamic conditions around the MAV. In response, a suitable feedback control system and actuation technology must be developed so that the wing can maintain its aerodynamic efficiency in this extremely dynamic situation; one where the unsteady separated flow field and wing structure are tightly coupled and interact nonlinearly. For instance, birds and bats control their flexible wings with muscle tissue to successfully deal with rapid changes in the flow environment. Drawing from their example, perhaps MAVs can use lightweight actuators in conjunction with adaptive feedback control to shape the wing and achieve active flow control. This article first reviews the scaling laws and unsteady flow regime constraining both biological and man-made fliers. Then a summary of vortex dominated unsteady aerodynamics follows. Next, aeroelastic coupling and its effect on lift and thrust are discussed. Afterwards, flow control strategies found in nature and devised by man to deal with separated flows are examined. Recent work is also presented in using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) actuators and angular speed variation to achieve active flow control for MAVs. Finally, an explanation for aerodynamic gains seen in flexible versus rigid membrane wings, derived from an unsteady three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model with an integrated distributed control algorithm, is presented.     

飞翼布局无人机变形机翼设计与模型验证研究

对飞翼布局无人机变形机翼和变形机翼传动机构进行了设计,根据设计结果制作验证模型进行风洞实验和外场飞行试验,以此研究伸缩段机翼对飞行器机翼整体气动性能的影响。结果表明:采用变形机翼技术,可以通过实时控制机翼的气动外形保持较高的气动效率,提高飞机在巡航状态下的升力和高速飞行状态下的机动性,满足飞机在各种任务剖面的战术性能要求。     

智能材料和结构在变体飞行器上的应用现状与前景展望

变体飞行器可以根据不同的飞行条件改变自身形状以获得最优的气动性能,大大提高飞行器的综合性能,是未来飞行器发展的重要方向之一。新型智能材料和结构具有驱动、变形、承载、传感等特点,为变体飞行器的设计提供了新的技术途径。本文根据不同可变形机翼结构分类,详细阐述了智能材料和结构在自适应结构、智能驱动器和变形蒙皮等方面的研究现状。变体飞行器的实现亟需解决变形/承载一体化蒙皮技术、轻质大输出力驱动器技术和自适应结构技术等关键技术,本文还对智能材料和结构未来在变体飞行器上的应用前景进行了展望。     

智能材料和结构在变体飞行器上的应用现状与前景展望简

 变体飞行器可以根据不同的飞行条件改变自身形状以获得最优的气动性能,大大提高飞行器的综合性能,是未来飞行器发展的重要方向之一。新型智能材料和结构具有驱动、变形、承载、传感等特点,为变体飞行器的设计提供了新的技术途径。本文根据不同可变形机翼结构分类,详细阐述了智能材料和结构在自适应结构、智能驱动器和变形蒙皮等方面的研究现状。变体飞行器的实现亟需解决变形/承载一体化蒙皮技术、轻质大输出力驱动器技术和自适应结构技术等关键技术,本文还对智能材料和结构未来在变体飞行器上的应用前景进行了展望。     

A study of morphing aircraft on morphing rules along trajectory

Morphing aircraft can meet requirements of multi-mission during the whole flight due to changing the aerodynamic shape, so it is necessary to study its morphing rules along the trajectory. However, trajectory planning considering morphing variables requires a huge number of expensive CFD computations due to the morphing in view of aerodynamic performance. Under the given missions and trajectory, to alleviate computational cost and improve trajectory-planning efficiency for morphing aircraft, an offline optimization method is proposed based on Multi-Fidelity Kriging (MFK) modeling. The angle of attack, Mach number, sweep angle and axial position of the morphing wing are defined as variables for generating training data for building the MFK models, in which many inviscid aerodynamic solutions are used as low-fidelity data, while the less high-fidelity data are obtained by solving viscous flow. Then the built MFK models of the lift, drag and pressure centre at the different angles of attack and Mach numbers are used to predict the aerodynamic performance of the morphing aircraft, which keeps the optimal sweep angle and axial position of the wing during trajectory planning. Hence, the morphing rules can be correspondingly acquired along the trajectory, as well as keep the aircraft with the best aerodynamic performance during the whole task. The trajectory planning of a morphing aircraft was performed with the optimal aerodynamic performance based on the MFK models, built by only using 240 low-fidelity data and 110 high-fidelity data. The results indicate that a complex trajectory can take advantage of morphing rules in keeping good aerodynamic performance, and the proposed method is more efficient than trajectory optimization by reducing 86% of the computing time.