Incorporation Of Shape Memory Alloy Actuators Into Morphing Aerostructures - II

1. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Incorporation Of Shape Memory Alloy
Actuators Into Morphing Aerostructures - II
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
Control of Morphing Aerostructures
kumardigvijaymishra@yahoo.co.uk
June 11, 2021
Kumar Digvijay Mishra

2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Overview
2 Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Rotorcraft
Spacecraft
Kumar Digvijay Mishra

3. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Wright Flyer was 1st powered aircraft to take flight
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

4. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Wright Flyer was 1st powered aircraft to take flight
- It was based on a wing design intended to smoothly
deform/morph
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

5. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Wright Flyer was 1st powered aircraft to take flight
- It was based on a wing design intended to smoothly
deform/morph
- Wings were constructed of a spruce wood framework with a
cloth skin
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

6. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Wright Flyer was 1st powered aircraft to take flight
- It was based on a wing design intended to smoothly
deform/morph
- Wings were constructed of a spruce wood framework with a
cloth skin
- This relatively compliant structure was warped during flight
by ctrl wires attached to outboard trailing-edge, providing
roll ctrl
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

7. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Wright Flyer was 1st powered aircraft to take flight
- It was based on a wing design intended to smoothly
deform/morph
- Wings were constructed of a spruce wood framework with a
cloth skin
- This relatively compliant structure was warped during flight
by ctrl wires attached to outboard trailing-edge, providing
roll ctrl
As aircraft increased in capability, stronger materials were
needed to support ever-increasing performance
requirements, including heavier, more powerful engines
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

8. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Wright Flyer was 1st powered aircraft to take flight
- It was based on a wing design intended to smoothly
deform/morph
- Wings were constructed of a spruce wood framework with a
cloth skin
- This relatively compliant structure was warped during flight
by ctrl wires attached to outboard trailing-edge, providing
roll ctrl
As aircraft increased in capability, stronger materials were
needed to support ever-increasing performance
requirements, including heavier, more powerful engines
These materials (e.g. Al & other lightweight, high-strength
alloys) were far too rigid to allow warping & thus morphing
wings were quickly replaced by rigid wings with hinged ctrl
surfaces
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

9. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
In last couple of decades, advances in materials have made
it feasible to create robust morphing aerospace structures
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

10. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
In last couple of decades, advances in materials have made
it feasible to create robust morphing aerospace structures
Implementing SMAs as solid-state actuators has been a key
enabling technology in development of many morphing
applications
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

11. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
In last couple of decades, advances in materials have made
it feasible to create robust morphing aerospace structures
Implementing SMAs as solid-state actuators has been a key
enabling technology in development of many morphing
applications
This section introduces some proposed morphing designs
for
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

12. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
In last couple of decades, advances in materials have made
it feasible to create robust morphing aerospace structures
Implementing SMAs as solid-state actuators has been a key
enabling technology in development of many morphing
applications
This section introduces some proposed morphing designs
for
1 Fixed-wing aircraft,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

13. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
In last couple of decades, advances in materials have made
it feasible to create robust morphing aerospace structures
Implementing SMAs as solid-state actuators has been a key
enabling technology in development of many morphing
applications
This section introduces some proposed morphing designs
for
1 Fixed-wing aircraft,
2 Rotorcraft &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

14. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
In last couple of decades, advances in materials have made
it feasible to create robust morphing aerospace structures
Implementing SMAs as solid-state actuators has been a key
enabling technology in development of many morphing
applications
This section introduces some proposed morphing designs
for
1 Fixed-wing aircraft,
2 Rotorcraft &
3 Spacecraft
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs

15. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
In an ongoing effort to increase efficiency & capability of
modern aircraft, SMAs are being implemented in both
novel applications & replacement of conventional devices
with alternatives that are
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

16. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
In an ongoing effort to increase efficiency & capability of
modern aircraft, SMAs are being implemented in both
novel applications & replacement of conventional devices
with alternatives that are
1 more compact,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

17. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
In an ongoing effort to increase efficiency & capability of
modern aircraft, SMAs are being implemented in both
novel applications & replacement of conventional devices
with alternatives that are
1 more compact,
2 more powerful &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

18. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
In an ongoing effort to increase efficiency & capability of
modern aircraft, SMAs are being implemented in both
novel applications & replacement of conventional devices
with alternatives that are
1 more compact,
2 more powerful &
3 less complicated
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

19. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
In an ongoing effort to increase efficiency & capability of
modern aircraft, SMAs are being implemented in both
novel applications & replacement of conventional devices
with alternatives that are
1 more compact,
2 more powerful &
3 less complicated
While some designs have focused on morphing entire
aerodynamic structures (e.g. wings), others have taken a
more focused approach & addressed more localized
deflections
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

20. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
In an ongoing effort to increase efficiency & capability of
modern aircraft, SMAs are being implemented in both
novel applications & replacement of conventional devices
with alternatives that are
1 more compact,
2 more powerful &
3 less complicated
While some designs have focused on morphing entire
aerodynamic structures (e.g. wings), others have taken a
more focused approach & addressed more localized
deflections
These local actuation applications result in improved
aircraft performance, & are easier to implement in
short-term
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

21. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

22. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
1 tabs,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

23. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
1 tabs,
2 flaps &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

24. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
1 tabs,
2 flaps &
3 engine inlets/nozzles
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

25. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
1 tabs,
2 flaps &
3 engine inlets/nozzles
At these locations, SMA component can
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

26. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
1 tabs,
2 flaps &
3 engine inlets/nozzles
At these locations, SMA component can
eliminate hinges found in conventional installations or
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

27. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
1 tabs,
2 flaps &
3 engine inlets/nozzles
At these locations, SMA component can
eliminate hinges found in conventional installations or
permit actuator installation in an otherwise undersized
volume
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

28. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Examples of local actuation include
1 tabs,
2 flaps &
3 engine inlets/nozzles
At these locations, SMA component can
eliminate hinges found in conventional installations or
permit actuator installation in an otherwise undersized
volume
Examples of current morphing aerostructures for
fixed-wing aircraft follow
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

29. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMA actuators are energy dense (40-70 J/kg for Ni-rich
NiTi), so they are ideal for providing actuation while
conserving both space & weight
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

30. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMA actuators are energy dense (40-70 J/kg for Ni-rich
NiTi), so they are ideal for providing actuation while
conserving both space & weight
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

31. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMA actuators are energy dense (40-70 J/kg for Ni-rich
NiTi), so they are ideal for providing actuation while
conserving both space & weight - imp in aircraft design
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

32. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMA actuators are energy dense (40-70 J/kg for Ni-rich
NiTi), so they are ideal for providing actuation while
conserving both space & weight - imp in aircraft design
To this end, SMA actuated flaps have been studied, where
some designs have incorporated SMA springs & SMA wires
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

33. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMA actuators are energy dense (40-70 J/kg for Ni-rich
NiTi), so they are ideal for providing actuation while
conserving both space & weight - imp in aircraft design
To this end, SMA actuated flaps have been studied, where
some designs have incorporated SMA springs & SMA wires
Courtesy of Morphing Aerospace Vehicles and Structures - John Valasek
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

34. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Advanced Wing Prototypes With SMA Controlled Flaps
While some actuator systems require
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

35. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Advanced Wing Prototypes With SMA Controlled Flaps
While some actuator systems require
1 a return spring to counter SME &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

36. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Advanced Wing Prototypes With SMA Controlled Flaps
While some actuator systems require
1 a return spring to counter SME &
2 return actuator to deformed position,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

37. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Advanced Wing Prototypes With SMA Controlled Flaps
While some actuator systems require
1 a return spring to counter SME &
2 return actuator to deformed position,
these designs eliminate need for such a spring by installing
opposing SMA actuators that pull flaps in both directions
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

38. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Advanced Wing Prototypes With SMA Controlled Flaps
In designing this type of setup, actuating SMA is used to
“reset” non-actuating SMA by forcing it back to its
deformed position
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

39. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Although incorporating SMA actuators into conventional
hinged controls can be advantageous in terms of space &
weight, such ctrl solutions still lead to non-continuous wing
surfaces
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

40. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Although incorporating SMA actuators into conventional
hinged controls can be advantageous in terms of space &
weight, such ctrl solutions still lead to non-continuous wing
surfaces
To improve aircraft wing performance, discrete ctrl surfaces
& associated hinge lines should be eliminated
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

41. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Continuous & Discontinuous Wing Surfaces
Simulated airflow over
continuous & discontinuous
wing surfaces
Predicted airflow over a wing with
a flap (l) & a continuous wing
surface (r)
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

42. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Continuous & Discontinuous Wing Surfaces
Simulated airflow over
continuous & discontinuous
wing surfaces
Wing with hinged flap
induces separation at the
point of surface
discontinuity
Predicted airflow over a wing with
a flap (l) & a continuous wing
surface (r)
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

43. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Continuous & Discontinuous Wing Surfaces
Simulated airflow over
continuous & discontinuous
wing surfaces
Wing with hinged flap
induces separation at the
point of surface
discontinuity
Whereas wing with
continuous surfaces,
delays/prevents air flow
separation
Predicted airflow over a wing with
a flap (l) & a continuous wing
surface (r)
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

44. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
An example of a continuous surface with variable geometry
is a morphing wing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

45. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
An example of a continuous surface with variable geometry
is a morphing wing
Perhaps 1st well-documented attempt to create a full
morphing wing based on SMA actuation was DARPA
Smart Wing Project
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

46. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
An example of a continuous surface with variable geometry
is a morphing wing
Perhaps 1st well-documented attempt to create a full
morphing wing based on SMA actuation was DARPA
Smart Wing Project
Goal of this project was to create a continuous wing that
could exhibit variable twist needed to optimize wing for
various flight regimes
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

47. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
An example of a continuous surface with variable geometry
is a morphing wing
Perhaps 1st well-documented attempt to create a full
morphing wing based on SMA actuation was DARPA
Smart Wing Project
Goal of this project was to create a continuous wing that
could exhibit variable twist needed to optimize wing for
various flight regimes
Use of conventional actuators in such an application with
cmplx multi-component support systems (e.g. pumps &
reservoirs in a hydraulic system) would lead to significant
weight & balance issues
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

48. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
An example of a continuous surface with variable geometry
is a morphing wing
Perhaps 1st well-documented attempt to create a full
morphing wing based on SMA actuation was DARPA
Smart Wing Project
Goal of this project was to create a continuous wing that
could exhibit variable twist needed to optimize wing for
various flight regimes
Use of conventional actuators in such an application with
cmplx multi-component support systems (e.g. pumps &
reservoirs in a hydraulic system) would lead to significant
weight & balance issues
Compared to conventional actuation systems, energy dense
SMAs provide force needed to twist a wing in a very
compact volume
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

49. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Wing Tunnel Model Of DARPA Smart Wing
In Smart Wing study, an equiatomic NiTi torque tube was
used to twist a 1/16 scale F-18 wing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

50. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Wing Tunnel Model Of DARPA Smart Wing
Since reaction time of actuator was slower than is necessary
for continuous in-flight adjustments, role of actuator to
twist the wing was limited to take-off and landing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

51. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Wing Tunnel Model Of DARPA Smart Wing
SMA actuator improved performance of wing during
take-off & landing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

52. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Distributed SMA Active Components
Another approach to controlling continuous wing shape is
to form an underlying structure with distributed SMA
active components
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

53. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
One such application is bio-inspired & mimics cmplx
internal vertebrate structure with SMA actuators that can
perform wing bending and wing twisting without
generating discrete surfaces
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Distributed SMA Active Components

54. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Idea behind this design is fabrication of an internal structure
that is
1 stiff & light when passive, but is
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Distributed SMA Active Components

55. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Idea behind this design is fabrication of an internal structure
that is
1 stiff & light when passive, but is
2 flexible when actuated
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Distributed SMA Active Components

56. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fig shows morphing of wing camber and span wise twisting
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Distributed SMA Active Components

57. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Many aerodynamic configurations can be achieved for this
wing by properly controlling heating & cooling of opposing
SMA components
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Distributed SMA Active Components

58. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Changing camber or twisting the wing was accomplished
by installation of SMA sheets at particular locations to
apply proper moments to vertebrate structure
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Distributed SMA Active Components

59. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs As Passive Elements
SMAs can be used as passive elements in morphing wing
structures, by exploiting large recoverable deflections
provided by pseudoelastic effect
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

60. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs As Passive Elements
SMAs can be used as passive elements in morphing wing
structures, by exploiting large recoverable deflections
provided by pseudoelastic effect
Compliant cellular trusses made up of beams & cables can
change their shape if proper cables are lengthened or
shortened using conventional actuators
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

61. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs As Passive Elements
SMAs can be used as passive elements in morphing wing
structures, by exploiting large recoverable deflections
provided by pseudoelastic effect
Compliant cellular trusses made up of beams & cables can
change their shape if proper cables are lengthened or
shortened using conventional actuators
Hyper elliptic cambered span (HECS) wing developed by
NASA incorporates an octahedral unit cell which can
change shape in expansive, compressive & shear directions
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

62. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
However, limited ability of elastic beam components to
bend/twist constrains displacement of unit cell in each
direction
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

63. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
However, limited ability of elastic beam components to
bend/twist constrains displacement of unit cell in each
direction
To increase deflection, pseudoelastic SMA rods are placed
in positions of highest local deformation within unit cell
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

64. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
However, limited ability of elastic beam components to
bend/twist constrains displacement of unit cell in each
direction
To increase deflection, pseudoelastic SMA rods are placed
in positions of highest local deformation within unit cell
As a result, less unit cells are required for overall HECS
structure, reducing weight
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

65. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
While smoothly changing profile of entire wing can be
advantageous during flight, smaller changes in wing
geometry can be valuable as well
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

66. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
While smoothly changing profile of entire wing can be
advantageous during flight, smaller changes in wing
geometry can be valuable as well
This is especially true at transonic speeds, where
accumulation of shockwaves on wing can increase drag
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

67. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
While smoothly changing profile of entire wing can be
advantageous during flight, smaller changes in wing
geometry can be valuable as well
This is especially true at transonic speeds, where
accumulation of shockwaves on wing can increase drag
Shifting location of shockwaves further back on wing can
reduce this drag
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

68. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
While smoothly changing profile of entire wing can be
advantageous during flight, smaller changes in wing
geometry can be valuable as well
This is especially true at transonic speeds, where
accumulation of shockwaves on wing can increase drag
Shifting location of shockwaves further back on wing can
reduce this drag
Manipulation of boundary layer over upper surface of wing
can drive such a change in shockwave location, resulting in
associated decrease in drag
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

69. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
While smoothly changing profile of entire wing can be
advantageous during flight, smaller changes in wing
geometry can be valuable as well
This is especially true at transonic speeds, where
accumulation of shockwaves on wing can increase drag
Shifting location of shockwaves further back on wing can
reduce this drag
Manipulation of boundary layer over upper surface of wing
can drive such a change in shockwave location, resulting in
associated decrease in drag
2 studies investigated use of SMA actuators to create a
“ridge” over upper surface of a wing, which has been shown
to be an effective boundary layer ctrl method
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

70. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fig. shows prototype of 1st setup that implemented SMA
spring actuators to raise upper surface of airfoil
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

71. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fig. shows prototype of 2nd setup that used SMA ribbon
connected to hinges at either of its ends to force skin of
wing to bend
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

72. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fig. shows prototype of 2nd setup that used SMA ribbon
connected to hinges at either of its ends to force skin of
wing to bend
When SMA is heated, it contracts and pulls on the hinges,
creating a moment on skin
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

73. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Bench-top prototypes of each of the two designs was built
and successfully tested
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

74. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Bench-top prototypes of each of the two designs was built
and successfully tested
SMA actuators have also been incorporated into similar
designs for altering wing thickness by optimizing wing for
flight at lower Mach numbers (M=0.2-0.35)
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs As Passive Elements

75. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Passively Controlled SMA Vortex Generators
Fig presents design for passively controlled SMA vortex
generator as an alternative approach to controlling
boundary layer
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Passively Controlled SMA Vortex Generators

76. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
These vortex generators can be used to delay boundary
layer separation from wings during take-off and landing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Passively Controlled SMA Vortex Generators

77. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMA in these devices is activated by higher temps in lower
atmosphere (during take-off and landing)
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Passively Controlled SMA Vortex Generators

78. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Then, at low temps observed at cruise altitude (i.e. about
9100 meters (31000 feet)), SMA transforms into martensite
while a return spring drives it toward a flattened
configuration
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Passively Controlled SMA Vortex Generators

79. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
Morphing & tuning of engine-related secondary structures
is another way in which SMAs can improve aircraft
performance
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

80. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
Morphing & tuning of engine-related secondary structures
is another way in which SMAs can improve aircraft
performance
Current engine configs are optimized for one flight regime,
thus compromising performance in others
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

81. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
Morphing & tuning of engine-related secondary structures
is another way in which SMAs can improve aircraft
performance
Current engine configs are optimized for one flight regime,
thus compromising performance in others
For example, engines are often designed for optimum
efficiency at cruise, but this comes at the cost of
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

82. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
Morphing & tuning of engine-related secondary structures
is another way in which SMAs can improve aircraft
performance
Current engine configs are optimized for one flight regime,
thus compromising performance in others
For example, engines are often designed for optimum
efficiency at cruise, but this comes at the cost of
1 increased noise &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

83. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
Morphing & tuning of engine-related secondary structures
is another way in which SMAs can improve aircraft
performance
Current engine configs are optimized for one flight regime,
thus compromising performance in others
For example, engines are often designed for optimum
efficiency at cruise, but this comes at the cost of
1 increased noise &
2 decreased performance
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

84. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
Morphing & tuning of engine-related secondary structures
is another way in which SMAs can improve aircraft
performance
Current engine configs are optimized for one flight regime,
thus compromising performance in others
For example, engines are often designed for optimum
efficiency at cruise, but this comes at the cost of
1 increased noise &
2 decreased performance
at take-off and landing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

85. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
However, if SMAs are implemented into the engine
structural design, efficiency could be improved across all
flight regimes
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

86. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet
However, if SMAs are implemented into the engine
structural design, efficiency could be improved across all
flight regimes
Smart Aircraft & Marine System Projects Demonstration
(SAMPSON) program was one of the first to implement
SMAs in an attempt to improve engine performance
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

87. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs were used to ctrl 3 different elements of an F-15 inlet
cowl1
1
cowl: Used for drag reduction or engine cooling by directing airflow
during take-off mostly
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

88. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
A bundle of equiatomic NiTi wires were used to rotate inlet
cowl, optimizing inlet flow at various angles of supersonic
attack
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

89. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMA wires were also used to optimize inlet shape for
subsonic & supersonic flight
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

90. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
In subsonic flight conditions, maximum airflow into the
engine is needed, so lower inlet lip was streamlined
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

91. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
However, in supersonic conditions, air entering the engine
need to be slowed to increase efficiency
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

92. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
However, in supersonic conditions, air entering the engine
need to be slowed to increase efficiency
This was achieved by actively curving lower lip through use
of PEZ motors, while incorporating SMAs in a passive role
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

93. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Due to large surface strains generated when lip was
activated, pseudoelastic effect of NiTi was taken advantage
of to create a lip cover that exhibited large elastic strains
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

94. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
At the same time, another set of SMA wires activated a
ramp on upper surface of inlet
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

95. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
At the same time, another set of SMA wires activated a
ramp on upper surface of inlet
Combination of lip & ramp slowed the air & directed it
into the engine to increase supersonic performance
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

96. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
This F-15 inlet system underwent full-scale testing at
NASA Langley & successfully showed that SMAs could be
integrated into existing propulsion systems
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SAMPSON F-16 Adjustable Inlet

97. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs In Engine Exhaust
SMAs have also been considered for active alteration of
engine exhaust & engine bypass flows
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

98. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs In Engine Exhaust
SMAs have also been considered for active alteration of
engine exhaust & engine bypass flows
NASA & Boeing have each designed, built & tested SMA
activated trailing edge chevrons with intent of reducing
engine noise during take-off and landing by inducing free
stream and engine exhaust flow mixing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

99. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs In Engine Exhaust
SMAs have also been considered for active alteration of
engine exhaust & engine bypass flows
NASA & Boeing have each designed, built & tested SMA
activated trailing edge chevrons with intent of reducing
engine noise during take-off and landing by inducing free
stream and engine exhaust flow mixing
Mixing is achieved by heating SMA components, which
bend chevrons into the flow
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

100. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs In Engine Exhaust
SMAs have also been considered for active alteration of
engine exhaust & engine bypass flows
NASA & Boeing have each designed, built & tested SMA
activated trailing edge chevrons with intent of reducing
engine noise during take-off and landing by inducing free
stream and engine exhaust flow mixing
Mixing is achieved by heating SMA components, which
bend chevrons into the flow
However, the drag resulting from this mixing reduces
aircraft efficiency at cruise
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

101. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs In Engine Exhaust
SMAs have also been considered for active alteration of
engine exhaust & engine bypass flows
NASA & Boeing have each designed, built & tested SMA
activated trailing edge chevrons with intent of reducing
engine noise during take-off and landing by inducing free
stream and engine exhaust flow mixing
Mixing is achieved by heating SMA components, which
bend chevrons into the flow
However, the drag resulting from this mixing reduces
aircraft efficiency at cruise
To reduce drag, SMAs are allowed to cool, thus relaxing &
allowing the underlying chevron structure to straighten, no
longer impeding the engine bypass air flow
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 Fixed-Wing Aircraft

102. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs In Engine Exhaust
Boeing has flight tested active chevron system, where a
decrease in engine noise of 3-5 dB was demonstrated during
take-off and landing
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

103. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
SMAs In Engine Exhaust
Boeing has flight tested active chevron system, where a
decrease in engine noise of 3-5 dB was demonstrated during
take-off and landing
Chevron concept has been generalized & extended to
morphing of entire trailing edge panels (as opposed to
triangular chevrons only), allowing active tailoring of
engine exhaust area
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

104. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fig shows two of many designs for SMA actuated engine
outlets
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

105. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Fig shows two of many designs for SMA actuated engine
outlets
Boeing proposed a variable area nozzle that can change its
area by up to 20%
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

106. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
This active nozzle provides 2 advantages to jet engines:
1 Varying nozzle outlet area can improve engine operational
efficiency in different flight regimes &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

107. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
This active nozzle provides 2 advantages to jet engines:
1 Varying nozzle outlet area can improve engine operational
efficiency in different flight regimes &
2 Reduction in exit velocity resulting from increased area has
been shown to reduce engine noise
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

108. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Boeing has implemented SMA actuators directly into the
nozzle structure
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

109. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Other designs have proposed that remotely installed SMA
wires be used to ctrl a separate mechanism for changing
nozzle area
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

110. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Other designs have proposed that remotely installed SMA
wires be used to ctrl a separate mechanism for changing
nozzle area
This removes SMA from areas of heat, relaxing constraints
on selection of alloys based on their transformation temps
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

111. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Other designs have proposed that remotely installed SMA
wires be used to ctrl a separate mechanism for changing
nozzle area
This removes SMA from areas of heat, relaxing constraints
on selection of alloys based on their transformation temps
NASA’s SMA-enabled adaptive chevron is one such design
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.1 SMAs In Engine Exhaust

112. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft
Aerospace applications incorporating SMAs are not limited
to fixed wing aircraft; several are also under development
for rotorcraft
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

113. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft
Aerospace applications incorporating SMAs are not limited
to fixed wing aircraft; several are also under development
for rotorcraft
Most research into rotorcraft morphing structures has
concentrated on improving rotor blade performance as this
component provides both lift & propulsion
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

114. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft
Aerospace applications incorporating SMAs are not limited
to fixed wing aircraft; several are also under development
for rotorcraft
Most research into rotorcraft morphing structures has
concentrated on improving rotor blade performance as this
component provides both lift & propulsion
It has been shown that actively controlling rotor blade
twist during flight can
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

115. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft
Aerospace applications incorporating SMAs are not limited
to fixed wing aircraft; several are also under development
for rotorcraft
Most research into rotorcraft morphing structures has
concentrated on improving rotor blade performance as this
component provides both lift & propulsion
It has been shown that actively controlling rotor blade
twist during flight can
1 reduce vibrations &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

116. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft
Aerospace applications incorporating SMAs are not limited
to fixed wing aircraft; several are also under development
for rotorcraft
Most research into rotorcraft morphing structures has
concentrated on improving rotor blade performance as this
component provides both lift & propulsion
It has been shown that actively controlling rotor blade
twist during flight can
1 reduce vibrations &
2 decrease noise
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

117. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
With their high energy density, SMAs are ideal actuators
for such applications given the limited installation space
that is characteristic in these structures
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

118. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
With their high energy density, SMAs are ideal actuators
for such applications given the limited installation space
that is characteristic in these structures
Further, robust solid-state nature of shape memory
components allows reliable operation even under
substantial radial g-forces
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

119. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
With their high energy density, SMAs are ideal actuators
for such applications given the limited installation space
that is characteristic in these structures
Further, robust solid-state nature of shape memory
components allows reliable operation even under
substantial radial g-forces
Applications of particular interest include
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

120. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
With their high energy density, SMAs are ideal actuators
for such applications given the limited installation space
that is characteristic in these structures
Further, robust solid-state nature of shape memory
components allows reliable operation even under
substantial radial g-forces
Applications of particular interest include
1 SMA-activated tabs &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

121. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
With their high energy density, SMAs are ideal actuators
for such applications given the limited installation space
that is characteristic in these structures
Further, robust solid-state nature of shape memory
components allows reliable operation even under
substantial radial g-forces
Applications of particular interest include
1 SMA-activated tabs &
2 SMA twisted rotor blades
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

122. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

123. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

124. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

125. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
2 trailing edge tabs
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

126. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
2 trailing edge tabs
of each rotor blade between the flights
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

127. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
2 trailing edge tabs
of each rotor blade between the flights
This time-consuming process ensures that each individual
rotor blade remains in the plane shared by the others,
known as tracking
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

128. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
2 trailing edge tabs
of each rotor blade between the flights
This time-consuming process ensures that each individual
rotor blade remains in the plane shared by the others,
known as tracking
Provided that such adjustments are made,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

129. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
2 trailing edge tabs
of each rotor blade between the flights
This time-consuming process ensures that each individual
rotor blade remains in the plane shared by the others,
known as tracking
Provided that such adjustments are made,
1 vibrations are reduced,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

130. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
2 trailing edge tabs
of each rotor blade between the flights
This time-consuming process ensures that each individual
rotor blade remains in the plane shared by the others,
known as tracking
Provided that such adjustments are made,
1 vibrations are reduced,
2 rotor blade fatigue life is extended &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

131. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Although they are fabricated using precise automated
production processes, each rotor blade can perform
differently during flight & these dissimilarities between
blades can generate large vibrations
Current method for limiting these vibrations is to manually
adjust the
1 pitch links &
2 trailing edge tabs
of each rotor blade between the flights
This time-consuming process ensures that each individual
rotor blade remains in the plane shared by the others,
known as tracking
Provided that such adjustments are made,
1 vibrations are reduced,
2 rotor blade fatigue life is extended &
3 rotorcraft exhibits improved overall performance
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

132. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
However the passive (manually adjusted) trailing edges
tabs can be made active by incorporation of SMAs &
constant tracking adjustments can be performed in flight
by further addition of a ctrl sys
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

133. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
However the passive (manually adjusted) trailing edges
tabs can be made active by incorporation of SMAs &
constant tracking adjustments can be performed in flight
by further addition of a ctrl sys
This eliminates need for costly on-ground adjustments &
maintains performance of rotor blade continuously during
flight
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

134. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
However the passive (manually adjusted) trailing edges
tabs can be made active by incorporation of SMAs &
constant tracking adjustments can be performed in flight
by further addition of a ctrl sys
This eliminates need for costly on-ground adjustments &
maintains performance of rotor blade continuously during
flight
As with flap designs described earlier, these proposed tab
systems are controlled by two SMA wires or torque tube
actuators operating antagonistically
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft

135. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs
Fig shows an example of SMA wire-driven active tab
system with full-scale actuated tracking tab
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs

136. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Hover mode & forward flight in rotorcraft require different
rotor blade twists for optimum performance, especially in
tilt-rotor configurations such as V-22 Osprey
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs

137. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Hover mode & forward flight in rotorcraft require different
rotor blade twists for optimum performance, especially in
tilt-rotor configurations such as V-22 Osprey
SMAs in form of torque tubes can provide torque needed to
twist a stiff rotor blade
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs

138. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
Hover mode & forward flight in rotorcraft require different
rotor blade twists for optimum performance, especially in
tilt-rotor configurations such as V-22 Osprey
SMAs in form of torque tubes can provide torque needed to
twist a stiff rotor blade
While earlier designs considered a single tube to vary blade
twist in a smooth, continuous manner, more recent designs
have recognized that actuating fully and directly from one
discrete twist angle (e.g. during hover) to another (e.g.
during cruise) provided a stiffer and more robust solution
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs

139. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
In Boeing design, 2 SMA torque tubes are used to drive a
bi-stable spring/gear device that then applies torque to
blade structure
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs

140. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
In Boeing design, 2 SMA torque tubes are used to drive a
bi-stable spring/gear device that then applies torque to
blade structure
2 tubes oppose each other, driving this bi-stable device
from one twist state to the other
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs

141. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Rotorcraft
In Boeing design, 2 SMA torque tubes are used to drive a
bi-stable spring/gear device that then applies torque to
blade structure
2 tubes oppose each other, driving this bi-stable device
from one twist state to the other
Thus either optimal hover or cruise blade twists can be
selected
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.2 Rotorcraft Application Of SMAs

142. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Spacecraft
SMAs are well-suited for spacecraft applications, where size
& weight considerations can be critical to mission success
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

143. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Spacecraft
SMAs are well-suited for spacecraft applications, where size
& weight considerations can be critical to mission success
Ex: SMA controlled dust wiper utilized on early Mars
rover missions
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

144. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Spacecraft
SMAs are well-suited for spacecraft applications, where size
& weight considerations can be critical to mission success
Ex: SMA controlled dust wiper utilized on early Mars
rover missions
On surfaces of other planets & moons, dust could
potentially
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

145. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Spacecraft
SMAs are well-suited for spacecraft applications, where size
& weight considerations can be critical to mission success
Ex: SMA controlled dust wiper utilized on early Mars
rover missions
On surfaces of other planets & moons, dust could
potentially
reduce efficiency of solar panels or
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

146. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Spacecraft
SMAs are well-suited for spacecraft applications, where size
& weight considerations can be critical to mission success
Ex: SMA controlled dust wiper utilized on early Mars
rover missions
On surfaces of other planets & moons, dust could
potentially
reduce efficiency of solar panels or
diminish effectiveness of optical sensors
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

147. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Spacecraft
SMAs are well-suited for spacecraft applications, where size
& weight considerations can be critical to mission success
Ex: SMA controlled dust wiper utilized on early Mars
rover missions
On surfaces of other planets & moons, dust could
potentially
reduce efficiency of solar panels or
diminish effectiveness of optical sensors
Further, the fine particles pose a threat to conventional
electromechanical servos
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

148. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Lightweight, compact & robust device is needed for dust
removal actuation & SMAs are well suited for such an
application
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

149. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Lightweight, compact & robust device is needed for dust
removal actuation & SMAs are well suited for such an
application
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs have
been considered as well
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

150. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Lightweight, compact & robust device is needed for dust
removal actuation & SMAs are well suited for such an
application
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs have
been considered as well
These include
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

151. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Lightweight, compact & robust device is needed for dust
removal actuation & SMAs are well suited for such an
application
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs have
been considered as well
These include
1 deployable solar arrays,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

152. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Lightweight, compact & robust device is needed for dust
removal actuation & SMAs are well suited for such an
application
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs have
been considered as well
These include
1 deployable solar arrays,
2 deployable antennas &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

153. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Lightweight, compact & robust device is needed for dust
removal actuation & SMAs are well suited for such an
application
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs have
been considered as well
These include
1 deployable solar arrays,
2 deployable antennas &
3 morph inflatable structures
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

154. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMA Deployed Solar Array
Fig. presents an example of SMA-deployed solar array
designed with SMA hinges between panels that take
advantage of SME for deployment
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 SMA Deployed Solar Array

155. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Prior to launch, solar panels are packed into a compact
config forcing SMA hinges into their deformed
(martensitic) config
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 SMA Deployed Solar Array

156. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Once spacecraft is in orbit, SMA hinges connecting solar
panels are heated, returning to their original (austenite)
config & deploying the solar panels
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 SMA Deployed Solar Array

157. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Deployable Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
SMAs can be used to morph inflatable structures; these
structures present obvious advantages due to
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

158. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Deployable Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
SMAs can be used to morph inflatable structures; these
structures present obvious advantages due to
1 their light weight at launch &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

159. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Deployable Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
SMAs can be used to morph inflatable structures; these
structures present obvious advantages due to
1 their light weight at launch &
2 large usable volume upon deployment
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

160. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Deployable Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
SMAs can be used to morph inflatable structures; these
structures present obvious advantages due to
1 their light weight at launch &
2 large usable volume upon deployment
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs
include :
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

161. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Deployable Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
SMAs can be used to morph inflatable structures; these
structures present obvious advantages due to
1 their light weight at launch &
2 large usable volume upon deployment
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs
include :
1 deployable solar arrays,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

162. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Deployable Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
SMAs can be used to morph inflatable structures; these
structures present obvious advantages due to
1 their light weight at launch &
2 large usable volume upon deployment
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs
include :
1 deployable solar arrays,
2 deployable antennas &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

163. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Deployable Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
SMAs can be used to morph inflatable structures; these
structures present obvious advantages due to
1 their light weight at launch &
2 large usable volume upon deployment
Deployable structure applications incorporating SMAs
include :
1 deployable solar arrays,
2 deployable antennas &
3 morph inflatable structures
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

164. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
Another unique application that has been proposed is
SMA-based heat engine for solar energy conversion
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

165. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
Another unique application that has been proposed is
SMA-based heat engine for solar energy conversion
In such a design, panels of SMA actuators (i.e. arrays of
wires) are tethered to a central point & each cyclically
contracts and then expands when exposed to solar
radiation and then shade
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

166. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft
Another unique application that has been proposed is
SMA-based heat engine for solar energy conversion
In such a design, panels of SMA actuators (i.e. arrays of
wires) are tethered to a central point & each cyclically
contracts and then expands when exposed to solar
radiation and then shade
Resulting change in shape induces rotation of panels, which
creates mechanical energy for spacecraft
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Spacecraft

167. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

168. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

169. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
1 cause damage to spacecraft if they prematurely detonate &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

170. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
1 cause damage to spacecraft if they prematurely detonate &
2 induce large shock loads even when operated properly
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

171. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
1 cause damage to spacecraft if they prematurely detonate &
2 induce large shock loads even when operated properly
SMA devices provide a
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

172. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
1 cause damage to spacecraft if they prematurely detonate &
2 induce large shock loads even when operated properly
SMA devices provide a
- robust,
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

173. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
1 cause damage to spacecraft if they prematurely detonate &
2 induce large shock loads even when operated properly
SMA devices provide a
- robust,
- safe &
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

174. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
1 cause damage to spacecraft if they prematurely detonate &
2 induce large shock loads even when operated properly
SMA devices provide a
- robust,
- safe &
- smooth
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

175. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
SMAs have also been used to create non-explosive release
devices for space applications
Conventional explosive release devices can
1 cause damage to spacecraft if they prematurely detonate &
2 induce large shock loads even when operated properly
SMA devices provide a
- robust,
- safe &
- smooth
method of release in a zero-g environment without
damaging spacecraft on which they are installed
Kumar Digvijay Mishra
2.3 Alternate Applications Of SMAs To Spacecraft

176. Aerospace Applications Of SMAs
Spacecraft
Kumar Digvijay Mishra