Abstract: A morphing airfoil includes a dynamic flexible skin system that is capable of carrying high level aerodynamic (or fluid) pressure loads over a structural surface. The structural surface can morph and bend in response to control inputs to change a lift force without separate movable control surfaces. A plurality of standoff mounts are attached to an inner surface of anisotropic skin. The standoff mounts include through apertures for receiving a flexible stringer. The anisotropic skin is attached to underlying structure through the flexible stringers. The flexible stringers interface with actuated position control ribs and passive compliant support ribs. A control system causes the underlying support structure to move to a desired location which in turn causes the skin to bend and/or flex without exceeding a stress threshold and thus vary the lift and drag distributions along a span of the airfoil without separate control surfaces.

Abstract: A micro-cavity passive actuator is configured to delay dynamic stall of an airfoil. The micro-cavity actuator is formed in the pressure sidewall surface proximate the leading edge of the airfoil. This cavity remains essentially inactive at low incidence. However, as the wing's effective angle of attack dynamically increases and the stagnation point displaces past the micro-cavity, the accelerating flow grazing the cavity induces a high-frequency resonance phenomenon (known as Rossiter modes). The self-generated small-scale disturbances are carried around the leading-edge through the boundary layer to the wing's upper side where the laminar separation bubble (LSB) amplifies these disturbances. This process delays LSB bursting and dynamic stall. The micro-cavity must be sized such that its naturally emitting oscillations are in a range of frequencies that can be amplified by the LSB.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting structure (46) which is positioned in a fluid flow (44) and characterised in that it is configured to be elastically deformed, on at least one portion of the supporting structure (46), between a first idle state in the absence of external stress and a second deformed state in the presence of external stresses caused by the fluid flow (44) due to a change in the orientation of the supporting structure (46) and/or the fluid flow (44). The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one such supporting structure (46).

Abstract: An aircraft wing trailing edge section assembly is disclosed having an upper skin structure providing an upper external aerodynamic trailing edge surface, a lower skin structure providing a lower external aerodynamic trailing edge surface, and a movement mechanism including a first portion attached to an internal surface of the upper skin structure, a second portion attached to an internal surface of the lower skin structure, and a rotationally mounted connector member connected between the first and second portions, such that rotational movement of the connector member causes simultaneous movement of both first and second portions and therefore both upper and lower skin structures, such that the camber of the trailing edge section is changed. An aircraft wing section assembly, an aircraft and methods of operating an aircraft are disclosed.

Abstract: An aircraft wing section assembly is disclosed having a structural spine, a movement mechanism including a support rod extending through the structural spine, a first lever, for connection to and for moving a first moveable control surface, pivotally mounted to the support rod, a second similar lever for connection to and for moving a second moveable control surface, and a connection mechanism for connecting the first and second levers such that pivotal movement of the first lever causes pivotal movement of the second lever, and an actuation mechanism for actuating pivotal movement of the first lever, such that, in use, when the actuation mechanism actuates pivotal movement of the first lever, the second lever also pivotally moves, thus causing movement of both the first and second moveable control surfaces. Also disclosed is an aircraft wing assembly, an aircraft and a method of operating an aircraft.

Abstract: An airfoil surface skin, comprising a network of a solid material, embedded in a base of deformable solid material. Fluid pressure applied to the interface between the network and the surrounding embedding material, opens an internal network of channels by viscous peeling of the surrounding solid from the network. The network is offset from the centerline the surround material, such that pressure driven viscous flow through the narrow channels generates two types of deformation of the skin—an in-plane elongation and a curvature of the skin plane itself. The shape of the internal solid core element and its material, and the material of the encompassing solid are chosen to achieve a desired integral structural rigidity. The injected fluid pressure determines the extent of extension and bending. Use of this skin enables shape amending airfoils having reduced drag compared with similar airfoils having conventional flap mechanisms.

Abstract: A variable camber wing for mounting to a vehicle chassis has an actuator shaft and a static pin extending from the chassis. The wing's nose segment defines a proximal edge and a distal edge and has a channel therethrough between the proximal and distal edges, an arcuate aperture therethrough aft of the channel, and a second aperture therethrough aft of the arcuate aperture. The wing has a first linkage defining a clevis on a proximal end and hingeably connected to the nose segment. The clevis can rotatably engage with the static pin extending through the arcuate aperture. A second linkage defines a second clevis on a proximal end and a distal edge. The second linkage is configured to hingeably connect to the first linkage.

Abstract: An aerodynamic aircraft component includes a fixed aerodynamic part, which has a first contact surface, and a movable aerodynamic part, which has a second contact surface and is mounted to the fixed aerodynamic part for movement relative to the fixed aerodynamic part between a first position, in which the first and second contact surfaces are spaced apart, and a second position, in which the second contact surface contacts the first contact surface. The fixed aerodynamic part includes one of a magnet device and a piece of magnetic material and the movable aerodynamic part includes the other of the magnet device and the piece of magnetic material. The magnet device and the piece of magnetic material are arranged such that a magnetic force between the magnet device and the piece of magnetic material urges the second contact surface in contact with the first contact surface.

Abstract: Adaptive airfoils are disclosed. A disclosed example airfoil for use with a vehicle includes first and second skins at least partially defining an exterior of a vehicle, where the first skin includes first and second pivots, and where the second skin includes third and fourth pivots, a first arm extending between the first and third pivots, where the first arm is rotatable about the first and third pivots, a second arm extending between the second and fourth pivots, where the second arm is rotatable about the second and fourth pivots, and a closeout including fifth and sixth pivots rotatably coupled to the first and second skins, respectively.

Abstract: An aircraft assistance method for reducing drag on the aircraft. The method includes flying an autonomous aircraft near the aircraft. An optimal position where vortices created by the autonomous aircraft or the aircraft interact with the other aircraft and/or autonomous aircraft to reduce drag and/or increase lift on the aircraft is determined. The autonomous aircraft is positioned in the optimal position. The method may include a landing assistance system with at least one autonomous aircraft configured to provide the aircraft with information regarding a desired position relative to a runway. The at least one autonomous aircraft may be configured to communicate with the aircraft through a processor and/or a display in the aircraft. The autonomous aircraft may be subject to a drone control system for a plurality of drones configured to position the plurality of drones in a formation.

Abstract: An aircraft wing having a fixed root part hingedly connected to a moveable tip part is disclosed. The tip part is configured to pivot relative to the root part about a substantially horizontal axis, between a load-alleviating configuration in which the tip part is oriented relative to the root part such that at least one of the upper and lower surface of the tip part is positioned away from the respective surface of the root part and a flight configuration in which the upper and lower surfaces of the tip part are continuations of the upper and lower surfaces of the root part. The shape of the tip part is controllably switchable between a cruise shape in which the tip part has positive camber and a recovery shape in which the tip part has negative camber.

Abstract: A spar assembly for an aircraft wing extends between an upper cover and a lower cover and includes linkages spaced consecutively along the length of the spar assembly, each linkage extending from an upper pivot, to a lower pivot, thereby joining upper and lower attachment structures of the spar assembly together. Each linkage includes a pair of fixed-length links pivotably connected at one end about a center pivot and pivotably connected at respective other ends. The spar assembly includes a drive bar connected to the center pivot of each of the linkages, and an actuator arranged to move the drive bar along the length of the spar assembly. When the actuator moves the drive bar along the length of the spar structure, the links in each pair of links are rotated relative to each other about the center pivot, thereby moving the upper and lower covers and warping the wing.

Abstract: An airfoil member includes an airfoil skin, a trailing edge member, a spar member extending in a lateral direction within the airfoil skin, and an airfoil member morphing device configured to modify a shape of the airfoil skin. The device includes at least one motor or actuator, an airfoil skin support sheet attached to the spar member and corrugated to define alternating upper and lower lines of contact with inner surfaces of the rearward upper skin and rearward lower skin. Actuating bands extend from the spar member through alternating upward and downward sections of the airfoil skin support sheet and are operably connected to the at least one motor or actuator. The airfoil member morphing device is configured to independently adjust a camber, twist, and chord length of the airfoil member.

Abstract: An aerodynamic body for use on an aircraft including at least a first perforated surface portion (25) and an ice-protection system (31). The first perforated surface portion (25) has perforations. The ice-protection system (31) includes an actuatable element (33) and the actuatable element (33) is movable or deformable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the actuatable element (33) is thermally coupled to the first perforated surface portion (25) and configured to prevent an inflow or outflow between a boundary layer of an outer aerodynamic airflow and the aerodynamic body through at least one of the perforations. In the second position, the actuatable element (33) is distanced from the first perforated surface portion (25) and configured to allow an inflow from a boundary layer of an outer aerodynamic airflow through at least one of the perforations into the aerodynamic body.

Abstract: A device to fasten a system to a structure of a vehicle includes a drive unit that provides rotary movement of a drive element relative to the structure. The device has first and second supporting elements. The first supporting element is rotatably coupled to the drive element via a first rotation axis, and is rotatably mounted to the structure via a second rotation axis. The second supporting element is rotatably coupled to the first supporting element, and a first connecting element, which is rotatably mounted to the structure via a third rotation axis. The first connecting element is rotatably coupled to the second supporting element via a fourth rotation axis. The second supporting element is rotatably coupled to the first supporting element via a fifth rotation axis. During movement, the first supporting element has a different rotational speed than the second supporting element.

Abstract: An inflatable active flow control device includes a first surface, a second surface, and a spring including one end connected to the first surface and an opposite end connected to the second surface. A flexible material is connected to both the first surface and the second surface around the spring, defines an inflatable internal volume, and includes a plurality of threads extending between opposing inner surfaces of the flexible material at spaced locations through the inflatable internal volume.

Abstract: A modular shock absorber developed for use in places where shock absorption is required. The modular shock absorber includes; horizontal carriers, a main carrier I and a main carrier II, a central carrier I, a central carrier II, an upper plate I, a lower plate I, a lower plate II, an upper plate II, an upper plate III, a lower plate III, a lower plate IV and an upper plate IV.

Abstract: A satellite system operates at altitudes between 180 km and 350 km relying on vehicles including an engine to counteract atmospheric drag to maintain near-constant orbit dynamics. The system operates at altitudes that are substantially lower than traditional satellites, reducing size, weight and cost of the vehicles and their constituent subsystems such as optical imagers, radars, and radio links. The system can include a large number of lower cost, mass, and altitude vehicles, enabling revisit times substantially shorter than previous satellite systems. The vehicles spend their orbit at low altitude, high atmospheric density conditions that have heretofore been virtually impossible to consider for stable orbits. Short revisit times at low altitudes enable near-real time imaging at high resolution and low cost. At such altitudes, the system has no impact on space junk issues of traditional LEO orbits, and is self-cleaning in that space junk or disabled craft will de-orbit.

Abstract: The present invention features a metamaterial including a plurality of unit cells, in which each unit cell includes two interacting members to dissipate energy. Also provided herein are assemblies including such metamaterials and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wind turbine based on aerodynamic performance maps that account for blade twist includes controlling the wind turbine based on at least one aerodynamic performance map. Further, the method includes determining at least one speed parameter of the wind turbine. Moreover, the method includes determining a blade torsional stiffness factor. Thus, the method further includes determining, via the processor, a twist correction factor for the aerodynamic performance map as a function of the at least one speed parameter and the blade torsional stiffness factor. The method then includes applying the twist correction factor to the at least one aerodynamic performance map to obtain an adjusted aerodynamic performance map. In addition, the method includes controlling the wind turbine based on the adjusted aerodynamic performance map.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a shape adaptive airfoil configured to be coupled with a tip of an airplane wing. In one embodiment, the shape adaptive airfoil is a blended winglet comprised of a base section coupled with the airplane wing, a blade section projecting in a vertical direction above the base section, and a radius section interconnecting the base and blade sections. Adaptive control structures may be incorporated into leading and trailing edges of the base section and the blade section. The adaptive control structures of the base section may facilitate changing a camber profile of the shape adaptive airfoil. The adaptive control structures of the blade section may enable changes to a toe angle of the blade section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wing structure (1) for flying objects, comprising a wing leading edge (4) and a wing box (2), wherein the wing leading edge should be arranged on the wing box in particular in a detachable manner. For this purpose, the wing leading edge is connected to the wing box within a joining segment (9) and to rib extensions (11) of the wing box by means of fastening element (12) near the nose segment (15) such that a fastening-free segment (14) extends on the top side (16) of the wing leading edge in order to compensate thermal deformation during flight.

Abstract: An aerofoil body for a gas turbine engine is provided. The aerofoil body has leading and trailing edge portions, wherein one of the leading and trailing edge portions is a morphable edge portion having a composite layer structure. The aerofoil body further has a non-morphing central portion which forms pressure and suction surfaces of the aerofoil body between the leading and trailing edge portions. The composite layer structure includes a return spring, one or more shape memory alloy layers, and a flexible cover for the return spring and the one or more shape memory alloy layers. The flexible cover defines pressure and suction surfaces of the aerofoil body at the morphable edge portion. The one or more shape memory alloy layers are electrically heatable to deform the layers against the resistance of the return spring, and thereby alter the pitch of the aerofoil body at the morphable edge portion.

Abstract: A system for changing a shape a structural spar includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of adjoining structural strips axially aligned to form the structural spar. At least one of the structural strips is formed from a shape memory alloy. The system also includes a temperature control system to control a temperature of the at least one shape memory alloy strip. Heat applied to the at least one shape memory alloy strip causes the structural spar to twist or bend.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for twisting a wing rib of an aircraft that when deployed across the wing span allows for a wide range of wing shape variations. This variance in shape may be used to steer the airplane without the use of flaps, and change the wings from a high-speed, low-lift shape to a low-speed, high-lift shape, including interim wing configurations, during flight to increase efficiency. The apparatus utilizes high strength-to-weight ratio polymer artificial muscles wrapped in heating wire as the rib twisting actuators. Wing rib twist is accomplished by electrifying the heating wire of the appropriate polymer artificial muscle to alter the wing rib twist. The wing rib apparatus includes a venting design that allows for faster activation of the wing rib twist by using ambient air convection to accelerate cooling of the relaxing polymer artificial muscle.

Abstract: A blade for the cycloidal marine propellers or cycloidal aerial rotors operative, in response to control system commands, to dynamically; flex along its chord, vary its relative pivot point position, change its planform by extending or retracting a trailing edge extension, differentially, turn the flap along the trailing edge in either direction or allow it to be turned by the flows. For the reversal of the leading and trailing edges for operation in reverse airflow and other conditions the blades are provided with edges that can be made rigid when functioning as the leading edge and flexible if needed when functioning as the trailing edge. Also, the blades are configured to vary and reshape their cross-sectional profile thickness. Finally, the blades are given on command flow permeability along much of their surface.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a nozzle blade for a variable nozzle turbine of a turbocharged engine. In one example, a nozzle blade for a turbine nozzle of a variable geometry turbine may include: a cambered outer surface that curves from an inlet end to an outlet end of the nozzle blade, relative to a chord of the nozzle blade, the chord having a chord length defined from the inlet end to the outlet end, the nozzle blade having an aspect ratio in a range of 1.54 to 2.95, a thickness that is greatest in a range of 47 to 61% of the chord length, and a camber line angle change ratio in a range of 0.94 to 1.16 from the inlet end to the outlet end of the nozzle blade.

Abstract: An aircraft includes a tiltwing where the tiltwing is a single wing to which starboard-side and non-foldable outer propeller, a port-side and non-foldable outer propeller, a starboard-side and foldable inner propeller, and a port-side and foldable inner propeller are coupled to. Those rotors rotate at least some of the time when the tiltwing is in a vertical takeoff and landing position. The starboard-side and foldable inner propeller and the port-side and foldable inner propeller are stowed at least some of the time when the tiltwing is in a forward flight position. The tiltwing rotates about an axis of rotation, when rotating between the vertical takeoff and landing position and the forward flight position, that is higher than the aircraft's center of mass.

Abstract: An apparatus with rotating turbine including: a cage rotating around a cage axis, wherein the rotation of the cage around the cage axis induces a lift of the apparatus above the ground; and a plurality of turbines located within the cage, each turbine rotating around a respective turbine axis different from the cage axis, and including a turbine blade having an adaptable shape; a frame including a first frame portion and a second frame portion coupled to the first frame portion, and wherein the first frame portion pivots relative to the second frame portion; a connection between an end of the frame and a region of the frame away from the end of the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating control surfaces of an aircraft. The method involves receiving, by an aircraft control system from one or more sensors, deflection information related to a shape and motion of an aircraft, and decomposing, by the aircraft control system, the deflection information into a detected modal state including a first known mode having a first mode strength. The method may further involve determining, by the aircraft control system, a first modal compensation based on the first mode strength, and identifying, by the aircraft control system, a desired control corresponding to a second known mode. The method may yet further involve determining a first control response for a control surface having a first modal weight and a second modal weight, based on the first modal compensation and the first modal weight, and determining a second control response for the control surface based on the desired control and the second modal weight.

Abstract: A complex-shaped, three-dimensional fiber reinforced composite trailing edge structure may be formed by using counteracting pressures applied to a structural lay-up of wetted fibers placed onto pressurizable members to form continuous fore and aft loops. In turn, the loops may be structurally functional to transfer loads from the trailing edge structure to a wing center section. The trailing structure may include may include fillers and/or a metallic insert, wherein the metallic insert may provide a lightening strike capability for the trailing edge structure.

Abstract: A frame device (200) for a profiled sail device, the frame device (200) having at least one adjustable frame element (202), the at least one adjustable frame element (202) having longitudinal struts which are spaced apart from one another and are assigned to sail surfaces which are spaced apart from one another, and transverse struts which extend between the longitudinal struts, characterized in that the longitudinal struts and the transverse struts delimit quadrangles which each have two diagonals with varying lengths depending on the adjustment, and the diagonals each have a predetermined maximum length, and a profiled sail device having sail surfaces which are spaced apart from one another and against which the flow can impinge and which form profiled surfaces, a sail front edge and an adjustable skeleton device arranged between the sail surfaces. The skeleton device has at least one frame device (200) of this type.

Abstract: This relates to changes in wing profiles. In order to provide an aerodynamic structure that can be variably adjusted and changed with respect to the wing profile, it is provided that an aerodynamic structure for a wing or rudder arrangement of an aircraft comprises a support structure and an outer skin. The support structure comprises an adaptive surface support structure in a longitudinal direction, which extends in a longitudinal direction from a root area to an outer end area, and is formed by a support surface, which comprises an adjustable periodic profiling that runs in the transverse direction, in which first flange areas and second flange areas are alternatingly formed, and joined together by web areas running in the direction of a profile height. Alternatingly aligned open profile segments running in the longitudinal direction are here formed.

Abstract: A blade (1) having an outer covering (2) defining a cavity (8). A carriage (20) is arranged in said cavity (8), the carriage (20) being provided with a torsion bar (21) and at least two arms (22) secured to the torsion bar (21). The blade has one connection per arm provided both with an upstream guide gallery and with a downstream guide gallery, each arm extending transversely from an upstream end that slides in an upstream guide gallery to a downstream end that slides in a downstream guide gallery. At least one connection is a helical connection (40) obtained with the help of an upstream guide gallery (33) and the downstream guide gallery (34) of the segment (101) presenting distinct orientations, giving rise to movement in rotation (ROT1) of the segment (101) under the effect of the carriage (20) moving in translation.

Abstract: A morphing aerofoil comprising: a leading edge; a trailing edge; and upper and lower surfaces extending between the leading and trailing edges. An upper thermal actuation member is provided proximate the upper surface; and a lower thermal actuation member is provided proximate the lower surface opposite the upper thermal actuator. The upper and lower thermal actuation members have different thermal expansion coefficients and are positioned such that they cause the trailing edge to deflect when they expand or contract by different amounts in response to a change in ambient temperature, thereby changing a camber of the aerofoil.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a cage that rotates around a cage axis and a turbine located at an end of the cage and rotating around a turbine axis. A turbine blade may have an adaptable shape. A frame of the turbine blade may have a first frame portion that pivots relative to the second frame portion. The curvature of the turbine blade may be controlled by shortening a connection while concurrently lengthening another connection. Controllers may control the rotation of the cage(s) and/or turbine(s) based on a speed, a direction, a velocity, an acceleration of wind, and/or a load carried by the apparatus. The apparatus may be a Savonius machine. Rotation of the cage(s) and/or turbine(s) may induce a Magnus effect. A seat and user controls near the seat may be included. The user controls may control the rotation of the cage(s) and/or turbine(s).

Abstract: An airfoil includes an airfoil body having a first section and a second section that differ by coefficient of thermal expansion. The second section is arranged in thermomechanical juxtaposition with the first section such that the first section and the second section cooperatively thermomechanically control a profile of the airfoil body responsive to varying thermal conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for pressure based load measurement are provided. The system and method measure at least one pressure differential on an airfoil and determine at least one aerodynamic load associated with the at least one pressure differential. The determined at least one load is used to modify characteristics of the airfoil to increase efficiency and/or avoid damage. The determined at least one aerodynamic load may be further utilized to balance and/or optimize loads at the airfoil, estimate a load distribution along the airfoil used to derive other metrics about the airfoil, and/or used in a distributed control system to increase efficiency and/or reduce damage to, e.g., one or more wind turbines.

Abstract: A reversible wing sail for use with a wind-powered vehicle is provided herein that comprises a rotatable mast, a multi-surface sail cover, and a spring-assisted camber inducer. The rotatable mast generally has a longitudinally extending mast axis and the multi-surface sail cover runs along at least a portion of the mast, extending transversely in relation to the mast from a leading edge to a trailing edge. The sail cover has a first surface and a second surface that form a cavity therebetween. The spring-assisted camber inducer is arranged in the cavity between the first and second surfaces of the sail cover and configured to induce an asymmetric camber profile between the first and second surfaces to form the wing sail into an airfoil shape.

Abstract: A variable geometry (2) structure comprising: an flexural element (4); a tensioning element (6) connected to the flexural element (8); and an actuator (12) for adjusting the tensioning element (6) to change the load placed on the flexural element (4), thereby changing the geometry of the structure (2).

Abstract: A wing includes an upper surface that forms a generally fixed shape and a lower surface adjacent to the upper surface. The lower surface is morphable between a stowed shape and a deployed shape. A method of morphing a wing includes morphing a lower surface between a stowed shape and a deployed shape. The lower surface curves toward the upper surface in the stowed shape and curves away from the upper surface in the deployed shape.

Abstract: A system for connecting two relatively movable structures on an aircraft, comprising: a first rigid structure attached to one of the relatively movable rigid structures; a second rigid structure attached to another of the relatively movable structures; a flexible skin connected to the first and second rigid structures; a sleeve comprising first and second end portions; a first rod comprising a first end portion attached to the first rigid structure, a second end portion slidably coupled to the first end portion of the sleeve, and an intermediate portion made of shape memory alloy; a second rod comprising a first end portion attached to the second rigid structure, a second end portion slidably coupled to the second end portion of the sleeve, and an intermediate portion made of shape memory alloy; and means for heating at least the intermediate portions of the first and second rods.

Abstract: A system for varying a camber of an airfoil may include an airfoil having an upper surface and a lower surface meeting to form a leading edge and a trailing edge, the lower surface having a first actuator including shape memory alloy sheet, a controller including a plurality of heating elements attached to the shape memory alloy sheet for selectively heating the sheet to a temperature above ambient to deform the upper and lower surfaces to morph a geometry of a camber of the airfoil thereby, a computer control connected to selectively control individual activation of the heating elements to heat the shape memory alloy sheet to a selected temperature to effect a selected deflection, and a cooling device to allow ambient air to enter the wing and exit over the actuator to resume a non-morphed state.

Abstract: A device and a related method are disclosed for selectively providing a modified aerodynamic flow over a wing under aerodynamic flight conditions with respect to a respective datum aerodynamic flow over an external wing surface of the wing in the absence of the device under similar aerodynamic flight conditions. The device includes a body configured to be movably mounted to the wing for selective displacement between at least two different positions with respect to the external wing surface and having an external body surface. The device includes a motion inducing arrangement coupled to the body and configured for providing the selective displacement. In each position, the body is in a respective superposed relationship with a respective wing surface portion of the wing external surface and the modified aerodynamic flow includes airflow over the external body surface. A wing and an air vehicle including the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of an aerodynamic structural insert frame comprise a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite the leading edge, and at least one cavity between the leading edge and trailing edge, wherein the aerodynamic structural insert frame is configured to deflect upon activation by an external stimulus; at least one deformable buckling member extending the distance between opposite edges of the cavity, wherein the deflection of the aerodynamic structural insert frame is configured to trigger deflection of the deformable buckling member; a pivot region; and at least one stopper bar attached to and extending from one edge of the cavity a distance less than the distance between opposite edges of the cavity, wherein the stopper bar is configured to stop the deflection of the aerodynamic structural insert and the buckling member when the stopper bar strikes an opposite edge of the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for changing the shape of a wing using a plurality of morphing structures. One example method includes coupling a plurality of morphing structures to each other. Each morphing structure includes an anchor, a plurality of hinges, a plurality of shape-memory alloy members wherein each shape-memory alloy member extends from the anchor to a different hinge, a plurality of springs wherein each spring extends from the anchor to a different hinge, and a plurality of rigid members wherein each rigid member extends between two hinges. The method further includes actuating the plurality of shape-memory alloy members in at least some of the morphing structures wherein the shape-memory alloy members contract when actuated to pull against the hinges and anchors within the actuated morphing structures to rotate the rigid members and change the shape of the actuated morphing structure.

Abstract: A wing may include a flexible leading edge skin segment having segment ends positioned adjacent to upper and lower leading edge wing skins to form a skin assembly. The upper leading edge wing skin may be positioned between the leading edge skin segment and an upper main wing skin. The lower leading edge wing skin may be positioned between the leading edge skin segment and a lower main wing skin. The wing may include a deployment device configured to flex the upper and lower leading edge wing skins thereby causing the leading edge skin segment to exhibit a rolling motion.

Abstract: A flexible tip for integration in a wing trailing edge employs a wing structure rear spar. A flexible upper skin is attached at a forward boundary to the spar and a rigid lower skin is interconnected to the flexible upper skin at a rigid tail piece. At least one actuation link is attached to the rigid tail piece and has a hinge at a forward edge of the rigid lower skin. At least one positioning slider is attached to the hinge which is movable from a neutral position to a first extended position urging the hinge aft for rotation of the rigid lower skin upward and flexing of the flexible upper skin in an upward camber and to a second retracted position urging the hinge forward for rotation of the rigid lower skin downward and flexing of the flexible upper skin in a downward camber.

Abstract: An edge morphing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with an elongated edge portion that overlies the edge of the airfoil, the edge portion having a surface element having first and second edges that communicate with, and form extensions of, respective ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the elongated airfoil. The surface elements are formed of deformable compliant material that extends cross-sectionally from the first surface element edge to an apex of the edge portion, and to the second surface element edge. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of one of the first and second rib portions. The second end is arranged to receive a morphing force, and the rib element is deformed in response to the morphing force.

Abstract: An aircraft wing has hinged ribs, and a skin covering the ribs. The ribs each include plural rib sections, array from the leading edge of the wing, to the trailing edge of the wing, and a lock to hold the rib sections together in a deployed state or condition. The wings are initially in a stowed state, with the ribs and the rib sections having a curved chord, and deploy to the deployed state, in which the ribs have a straightened chord that defines an airfoil state. The wing may have foam material between the ribs to allow the wings to expand in the wingspan direction, for instance after the ribs have been placed in the deployed state.