The design of post-buckled spinal structures for airfoil shape control using optimization methods

In this paper we examine the use of optimization methods and a variety of shape definition schemes to design spinal structures for the control of deformable shape airfoils. The aim is to find structures that, when suitably loaded, can be used to alter the aerodynamic performance of a cladding that forms the airfoil. Further, by using structures that are acting in the post buckling regime it is possible to obtain significant changes in shape with only modest changes in applied load