Abstract: A base panel member 22 is provided with openings 24. A back panel member 26 having projections 28 that can be inserted into the openings 24. Springs 38 bias the projections 28 against the openings 24. Shape-memory members 40 are disposed in the vicinity of the springs 38. The projections 28 are inserted into the openings 24 by a biasing force of the springs 38, so that airflow through the openings 24 is prohibited. The shape-memory members 40 change shape according to temperature changes, and produce a force against the biasing force. This allows the projections 28 to be separated from the openings 24, creating an airflow state in which the air can pass through the openings 24. A design is formed by combining the base panel member 22 and the projections 28, while the projections 28 are inserted into the openings 24.

Abstract: A smart vortex generator including a main body, disposed on a body surface, such as a main wing of aircraft, making a boundary to a flow of fluid, and at least a part of which includes a shape memory alloy. A form of the main body, depending on a temperature increment/decrement of the fluid, changes between (1) a first form capable of suppressing a flow separation by a vortex generation and (2) a second form capable of suppressing a turbulent flow, by a phenomenon that the shape memory alloy undergoes a phase transformation between a high-temperature-side stable phase and a low-temperature-side stable phase. The smart vortex generator demonstrates a multi-directional characteristic depending on a temperature change, such that no energy supply from the outside is required. The structure is simple, and repairs and maintenance as well as installation to existing wings are easy.

Abstract: A smart vortex generator including a main body, disposed on a body surface, such as a main wing of aircraft, making a boundary to a flow of fluid, and at least a part of which includes a shape memory alloy. A form of the main body, depending on a temperature increment/decrement of the fluid, changes between (1) a first form capable of suppressing a flow separation by a vortex generation and (2) a second form capable of suppressing a turbulent flow, by a phenomenon that the shape memory alloy undergoes a phase transformation between a high-temperature-side stable phase and a low-temperature-side stable phase. The smart vortex generator demonstrates a multi-directional characteristic depending on a temperature change, such that no energy supply from the outside is required. The structure is simple, and repairs and maintenance as well as installation to existing wings are easy.