‘Morphing’ winglets to boost aircraft efficiency

doi:10.1016/S0262-4079(09)60208-6

New Scientist

Volume 201, Issue 2692, 21 January 2009, Pages 22-23

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0262-4079(09)60208-6 Get rights and content

A wing tip that changes shape mid-flight to improve the plane's aerodynamics could reduce fuel consumption and cut noise around airports

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Cited by (6)

Morphing wingtip structure based on active inflatable honeycomb and shape memory polymer composite skin: A conceptual work
2021, Aerospace Science and Technology
Citation Excerpt :
The lift to drag ratio during climb could be improved by the change of the wing span length, and vertex-induced drag during high-speed flight could be reduced by the folding of the wingtip. Studies show the morphing wingtip structure could improve 25.32% of lift coefficient (Cl) [11] and save 5% fuel [12]. In fact, besides fuel reduction, the improvement of lift coefficient will benefit more.
Morphing wingtip technology could improve the reduction of the induced drag, fuel consumption, and take-off and landing distances in fixed wing configurations. We describe in this work a morphing winglet concept based on active inflatable honeycombs and Shape Memory Polymer Composite (SMPC) skins. The combination of the two materials and structural subsystems allow the winglet deployment, with a morphing skin able to withstand the aerodynamic loading, also through the use of distributed pneumatic muscle fibers. An actuation geometric and mechanical model that represents the morphing wingtip concept is developed and analyzed. A morphing wingtip prototype is also fabricated to demonstrate the kinematics and actuation of the concept. Experiments and simulations show agreement about the output angle/input pressure relationship necessary for the wingtip deployment.
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Energy efficiency: Comparison of different systems and technologies
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Energy efficiency: Comparison of different systems and technologies
2012, Handbook of Climate Change Mitigation
Aero-structural design optimization of a morphing wingtip
2011, Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures
Design and analysis of an adaptive wingtip
2011, Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference

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‘Morphing’ winglets to boost aircraft efficiency