Design and Testing of a Variable Geometry Ducted Propulsor Shape Memory Alloy Actuation

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd Quackenbush ◽  
Bernie Carpenter ◽  
Scott Gowing
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Variable Geometry ◽  
Design And Testing

Overview of Boeing’s Shape Memory Alloy Based Morphing Aerostructures

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. T. Calkins ◽  
J. H. Mabe ◽  
R. T. Ruggeri
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Rotor Blade ◽  
Continuous Optimization ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Flight Test ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
System Level ◽  
Variable Geometry ◽  
Boeing Company

The Boeing Company has a goal of creating aircraft that are capable of continuous optimization for all flight conditions. Toward this goal we have developed morphing-capable, adaptive structures based on Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology that enable component and system level optimization at multiple flight conditions. 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 aerodynamic characteristics. The Variable Geometry Chevrons program, which was the first use of 60-Nitinol for a major aerospace application, included a flight test and static engine test of 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 which are 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. The Boeing Company continues to mature SMA technology in order to develop innovative applications and support their commercialization.

Design and testing of an enhanced shape memory actuator elastically compensated by a bistable rocker arm

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 704-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Scirè Mammano ◽  
Eugenio Dragoni
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Shape Memory Alloy Actuator ◽  
Output Force ◽  
Theoretical Predictions ◽  
Constant Output ◽  
Design And Testing

This article presents the design, the prototype construction, and the experimental testing of a shape memory actuator implementing the concept of elastic compensation put forward in a previous publication by the authors. A two-shape memory alloy actuator, compensated by a spring-assisted bistable rocker arm, is designed theoretically to provide nearly constant output forces and then it is built and characterized experimentally under laboratory conditions. The test results closely agree with the theoretical predictions and show that for given output force, the compensated actuator produces net strokes from 2.5 to 22 times greater than a twin uncompensated actuator. The stroke improvement increases dramatically with the generated output force. Weaknesses of the compensated design are the heavier average stress sustained by the shape memory alloy springs, which could impair the fatigue life, and a higher response time.

Shape Memory Alloy Based Morphing Aerostructures

2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick T. Calkins ◽  
James H. Mabe
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Rotor Blade ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Flight Test ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
System Level ◽  
Variable Geometry ◽  
Fully Integrated

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.

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