Abstract: A bridging structure for a deforming foil, such as a morphing wing, that provides a fluid-dynamic surface throughout foil deformation that forms a curved fluid-dynamic surface with a relatively low drag. A high extent of foil deformation can be provided, with lower actuation force, providing a fluid-dynamic surface with a simple or complex curve in one direction, by providing a set of rail-mounted members that are joined at one end to a deforming sheet. By coupling the members with high elongation, resilient bodies, adjacent members can support each other, while permitting extension, and accommodating curvature.

Abstract: A bridging structure for a deforming foil, such as a morphing wing, that provides a fluid-dynamic surface throughout foil deformation that forms a curved fluid-dynamic surface with a relatively low drag. A high extent of foil deformation can be provided, with lower actuation force, providing a fluid-dynamic surface with a simple or complex curve in one direction, by providing a set of rail-mounted members that are joined at one end to a deforming sheet. By coupling the members with high elongation, resilient bodies, adjacent members can support each other, while permitting extension, and accommodating curvature.

Abstract: A vibration reduction (VR) human support has exactly two paths to ground in each degree of VR: one provided by respective displacement actuators (DAs) for active VR, the other by one or more elastomeric damping bodies (EDBs). These paths extend from a frame for carrying a support structure for a live human, to a grounding for fixing the VR system in a vibrating environment. Each EDB is composed of a material having a dynamic Young's Modulus of 0.1-2.5 MPa, and a resilience test rebound height less than 40, and is positioned between the grounding and frame to provide elastic restorative forces and damping in each of the respective directions. The use of EDBs simplifies construction, and allows for a more compact arrangement, without reducing VR efficiency.

Abstract: A vibration reduction (VR) human support has exactly two paths to ground in each degree of VR: one provided by respective displacement actuators (DAs) for active VR, the other by one or more elastomeric damping bodies (EDBs). These paths extend from a frame for carrying a support structure for a live human, to a grounding for fixing the VR system in a vibrating environment. Each EDB is composed of a material having a dynamic Young's Modulus of 0.1-2.5 MPa, and a resilience test rebound height less than 40, and is positioned between the grounding and frame to provide elastic restorative forces and damping in each of the respective directions. The use of EDBs simplifies construction, and allows for a more compact arrangement, without reducing VR efficiency.