Rotationally Adaptive Flight Test Surface

By: Nasa, National Aeronautics and Space Adm

Research on a new design of flutter exciter vane using adaptive materials was conducted. This novel design is based on all-moving aerodynamic surface technology and consists of a structurally stiff main spar, a series of piezoelectric actuator elements and an aerodynamic shell which is pivoted around the main spar. The work was built upon the current missile-type all-moving surface designs and change them so they are better suited for flutter excitation through the transonic flight regime. The first portion of research will be centered on aerodynamic and structural modeling of the system. USAF DatCom and vortex lattice codes was used to capture the fundamental aerodynamics of the vane. Finite element codes and laminated plate theory and virtual work analyses will be used to structurally model the aerodynamic vane and wing tip. Following the basic modeling, a flutter test vane was designed. Each component within the structure was designed to meet the design loads. After the design loads are met, then the deflections will be maximized and the internal structure will be laid out. In addition to the structure, a basic electrical control network will be designed which will be capable of driving a scaled exciter vane. The third and final stage of main investigation involved the fabrication of a 1/4 scale vane. This scaled vane was used to verify kinematics and structural mechanics theories on all-moving actuation. Following assembly, a series of bench tests was conducted to determine frequency response, electrical characteristics, mechanical and kinematic properties. Test results indicate peak-to-peak deflections of 1.1 deg with a corner frequency of just over 130 Hz.Barrett, RonArmstrong Flight Research CenterFLIGHT TESTS; VANES; AERODYNAMIC CONFIGURATIONS; CONTROL SURFACES; FLIGHT CONTROL; ADAPTIVE CONTROL; FLUTTER ANALYSIS; AEROSERVOELASTICITY; DYNAMIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS; FREQUENCY RESPONSE; FABRICATION; PITCHING MOMENTS; GROUND TESTS; MACH NUMBER; TRANSONIC FLIGHT; V

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1723752606
• ISBN13: 9781723752605
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"