Spatially Targeted Activation of a Shape Memory, Polymer-Based, Reconfigurable Skin System

Abstract

The objective of the project is to investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of engineered shape memory polymer (SMP) materials for use as composite reconfigurable skin systems in morphing aircraft applications. An anisotropic, reconfigurable skin based on selective heating of a cellular SMP material was designed and investigated to understand its material characteristics. The engineered skin material is made of a cellular structure filled with a variable stiffness material, such as honeycomb filled with SMP and it was characterized by finite element analysis and MTS testing. The research provides a comprehensive initial feasibility study into the proposed filled honeycomb skin system, and thermal problems such as diffusion between cells, cooling the skin, the power required for operation, and cycle time are topics of further research.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA596915

Entities

People

  • Gregory W. Reich
  • James J. Joo
  • Richard V. Beblo

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Aircrafts
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Composite Materials
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Shear Modulus
  • Shear Stresses
  • Shear Tests
  • Stiffness
  • Transition Temperature
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Parallel and Distributed Computing.
  • Reinforced Composite Materials