Shape Memory Alloy Based Morphing Aerostructures

Abstract

In order to continue the current rate of improvements in aircraft performance, aircraft and components which are continuously optimized for all flight conditions, will be needed. Toward this goal morphing-capable, adaptive structures based on shape memory alloy (SMA) technology that enable component and system-level optimization at multiple flight conditions are being developed. This paper reviews five large-scale SMA based technology programs initiated by The Boeing Company. The SAMPSON smart inlet program showed that fully integrated SMA wire bundles could provide a fighter aircraft with a variable engine inlet capability. The reconfigurable rotor blade program demonstrated the ability of highly robust, controlled 55-Nitinol tube actuators to twist a rotor blade in a spin stand test to optimize rotor aerodynamic characteristics. The variable geometry chevron (VGC) program, which was the first use of 60-Nitinol for a major aerospace application, included a flight test and static engine test of the GE90-115B engine fitted with controlled morphing chevrons that reduced noise and increased engine efficiency. The deployable rotor tab employed tube actuators to deploy and retract small fences capable of significantly reducing blade-vortex interaction generated noise on a rotorcraft. Most recently, the variable geometry fan nozzle program has built on the VGC technology to demonstrate improved jet engine performance. Continued maturation of SMA technology is needed in order to develop innovative applications and support their commercialization.