Avian-Inspired Multifunctional Morphing Air Vehicles: Underpinning Biological Research
Abstract
Designs for aerial vehicles based on inspiration from nature is a concept that has been effective for over a hundred years. Early pioneers recognised control authority to be a greater challenge than the generation of lift and thrust, and used wing warping to solicit asymmetric forces and torques. In the interim, wing flexibility as a facilitator of flight control has been neglected in favour of more tractable rigid body dynamics. More recently, the benefits of wing morphing are being revisited with bio-inspiration again playing a key role in the identification of innovations that can produce step-changes in capability. The ability to modulate forces and torques on the airframe by smooth and continuous variation in lifting surface morphology has long been exhibited by birds. For vehicles it confers significant advantages for control, flight performance, fuel economy and reduced radar visibility. In this proposal, I outline a set of experiments that will deliver detailed information on the way in which birds morph their shape in response to a number of perturbations that change loading on their wings in gliding flight. The perturbations will be both symmetrical and asymmetrical, and around multiple axes. The output will be implementable in unmanned air systems that utilize shape memory alloys for large-scale motions and piezoelectric actuators for high-frequency responses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2016
- Source ID
- FA95501610034
Entities
People
- Richard J. Bomphrey
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London
- United States Air Force