A Dynamic Loading Mechanism for a Morphing Winglet

Abstract

A loading mechanism for a variable cant angle morphing winglet is proposed in this paper. The mechanism provides a method of loading a morphing winglet with the simulated aerodynamic lift force by maintaining its application direction always orthogonal to the surface of the winglet throughout the range of motion. The loading mechanism is developed by type synthesis of fourbar linkages through enumeration of prismatic and revolute joints. The final design is a RPRP fourbar linkage modified by merging the middle PR joint together to form a planar joint named Sharkfin. The shape of Sharkfin is optimized to minimize its weight effect on the overall loading system. A halfscale prototype was built as a reference to address several implementation issues including the neutral loading condition. Afterwards, a fullsize dynamic loading mechanism was successfully constructed and implemented to load test a fullsize morphing winglet.