Numerical optimization of wing skin panels actuation based on s.m.a.

This article is focused on numerical investigations of smart structure concepts, developed through the integration of Smart Materials within a wing skin structure, in order to achieve prescribed surface deformation. Among the large family of Smart Materials, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are considered a suitable solution for many static applications, because of their capability to transmit very large forces. This, in conjunction with other peculiarities like performance per weight ratio, justifies the increasing interest for aerospace applications. Explored architectures are aimed at controlling the chamber of a generic airfoil; performance was evaluated in terms of maximum displacement and rotation of the free panel trailing edge, estimated by a FE approach. SMA behaviour was modelled through a dedicated routine for evaluating the activation temperature and internal stress state. Several configurations were simulated, corresponding to different actuation strategies; structures capable of multi-stable actuation condition were also considered; the most efficient architectures were optimized using a genetic algorithm for further actuation improvements