Ultralight, Bio-inspired Skeletal-Neuro-Muscular Materials for Intelligent and Modular Morphable Win
Abstract
The objective of this project is to realize a paradigm-shifting concept of ultralight, intelligent, and modular morphable wings, whi,ch will replace conventional aircraft wing structures with novel, bio-inspired active skeletal-neuro-muscular materials. This effort, will introduce a fundamentally new pathway to future morphable fixed-wing aircraft to dramatically reduce structural weight, increa,se design-production-operation speed and flexibility, and improve flight efficiency.The project is driven by three connected thrusts,. Thrust 1 will study the rational design, manufacturing, and assembly methods to realize ultralight, bird-bone-like hierarchical ar,chitected materials (i.e., artificial skeletal materials) for significant weight reduction on airframes. Thrust 2 will develop novel, dielectric elastomeric materials (i.e., artificial muscles) capable of actuating morphable wings in-flight. A sensory wing skin wil,l be developed to achieve awareness of wing shapes and aerodynamic pressure. Thrust 3 will leverage the knowledge generated in thrus,ts 1 and 2 to build small-scale morphable fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to demonstrate and validate the proposed concep,t.With the funding from ONR and additional voluntary cost share from Penn State, this project will support a group of graduates and,undergraduates for three years. The PI will integrate education and research to equip the students with solid, interdisciplinary exp,ertise. This project contributes to the development of future naval science and technology workforce in the area of aerospace struct,ures and materials.This work will deliver systematic knowledge and methods on design, materials, manufacturing, and mechanics to ena,ble future naval air vehicles with superior performance for demanding naval aviation operations. The project aligns well with ONRs,priority in transforming naval air platforms, and it fits well within the scope of technical and workforce development of the Aerosp,ace Structures and Materials Program.(Approved for Public Release)
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212286
Entities
People
- Xin Ning
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Navy