The prospective generation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can attempt to
eliminate conventional primary control surfaces, thereby seeking to enhance
operational efficiency. This endeavor constitutes an experimental manifestation
of morphing principles utilizing Shape Memory Alloy (SMA), specifically Nitinol,
to actuate control surfaces through a meticulously orchestrated application of
power cycles at diverse frequencies. The integration of Morphing Technology has
garnered heightened attention within the aviation industry, owing to its
capacity to augment efficiency and performance across a spectrum of flight
conditions.
The intrinsic appeal of morphing lies in its potential to dynamically alter wing
geometry during flight, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency and mitigating
environmental impact through diminished carbon emissions resulting from reduced
drag. This, in turn, necessitates reduced thrust to achieve similar or same
performance levels.
The pivotal material employed for achieving desired shape alterations is Nitinol,
distinguished by its Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) characteristics when subjected to
controlled heating beyond its transformation temperature. The process entails
the passage of current through the Nitinol wire until it reverts to its initial
preset configuration. However, this method is inherently limited, attaining only
maximum deflection when activated and maintaining a neutral deflection when
inactive.
To overcome this inherent constraint, a strategy is devised, involving the
manipulation of the control surface deflection angle. This is accomplished
through the judicious activation and deactivation of the circuit at varied time
intervals, enabling a spectrum of deflection angles to be achieved. This
transformative approach holds considerable promise for application in low and
medium altitude UAVs, thereby potentially extending their range and/or
endurance. With a potential to improve of approx. 2% can be observed compared to
conventional methods.