Design and Analysis of MataMorph-3: A Fully Morphing UAV with Camber-Morphing Wings and Tail Stabilizers

Bishay, Peter L.; Kok, James; Ferrusquilla, Luis; Espinoza, Brian; Heness, Andrew; Buendía, A. J.; Zadoorian, Sevada; Lacson, Paul; Ortiz, Jonathan; Basilio, Ruiki; Olvera, D.

doi:10.3390/aerospace9070382

Cited by 12 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 32 publications

(50 reference statements)

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“…Numerous studies presently concentrate on employing smart materials for VCTE design, particularly targeting small aircraft or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. This is mainly due to the limited design space of small aircraft, relatively lower flight speeds, and deflection angles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and Validation of the Trailing Edge of a Variable Camber Wing Based on a Two-Dimensional Airfoil

Zhou,

Sun,

Sun

et al. 2024

Biomimetics

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Variable camber wing technology stands out as the most promising morphing technology currently available in green aviation. Despite the ongoing advancements in smart materials and compliant structures, they still fall short in terms of driving force, power, and speed, rendering mechanical structures based on kinematics the preferred choice for large long-range civilian aircraft. In line with this principle, this paper introduces a linkage-based variable camber trailing edge design approach. Covering coordinated design, internal skeleton design, flexible skin design, and drive structure design, the method leverages a two-dimensional supercritical airfoil to craft a seamless, continuous two-dimensional wing full-size variable camber trailing edge structure, boasting a 2.7 m span and 4.3 m chord. Given the significant changes in aerodynamic load direction, ground tests under cruise load utilize a tracking-loading system based on tape and lever. Results indicate that the designed single-degree-of-freedom Watt I mechanism and Stephenson III drive mechanism adeptly accommodate the slender trailing edge of the supercritical airfoil. Under a maximum cruise vertical aerodynamic load of 17,072 N, the structure meets strength requirements when deflected to 5°. The research in this paper can provide some insights into the engineering design of variable camber wings.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and Validation of the Trailing Edge of a Variable Camber Wing Based on a Two-Dimensional Airfoil

Zhou,

Sun,

Sun

et al. 2024

Biomimetics

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“…The superiority of morphing wings over traditional wings has been demonstrated in numerous studies, including the work by Joshi et al [7]. Recent examples of morphing UAVs include the Transformer Aircraft with span-morphing wings [8], MataMorph-2 with twist-morphing wings [9], and MataMorph-3 with camber-morphing wings and tail stabilizers [10]. Recently, researchers have developed new bio-inspired wing configurations that incorporate the biological structural elements and morphing motion of birds' wings (Category C) [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D-Printed Bio-Inspired Mechanisms for Bird-like Morphing Drones

Bishay,

Brody,

Podell

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

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Birds have unique flight characteristics unrivaled by even the most advanced drones due in part to their lightweight morphable wings and tail. Advancements in 3D-printing, servomotors, and composite materials are enabling more innovative airplane designs inspired by avian flight that could lead to optimized flight characteristics compared to traditional designs. Morphing technology aims to improve the aerodynamic and power efficiencies of aircraft by eliminating traditional control surfaces and implementing wings with significant shape-changing ability. This work proposes designs of 3D-printed, bio-inspired, non-flapping, morphing wing and tail mechanisms for unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposed wing design features a corrugated flexible 3D-printed structure to facilitate sweep morphing with expansion and contraction of the attached artificial feathers. The proposed tail feather expansion mechanism features a 3D-printed flexible structure with circumferential corrugation. The various available 3D-printing materials and the capability to print geometrically complex components have enabled the realization of the proposed morphing deformations without demanding relatively large actuation forces. Proof-of-concept models were manufactured and tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the selected materials and actuators in achieving the desired morphing deformations that resemble those of seagulls.

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“…However, the majority of the studies carried out so far on morphing wing devices deals with structural and material issues mainly, along with aerodynamic performance [16,17]. From the point of view of flight dynamics, there is a substantial difference whether the geometry variation due to morphing aims to achieve maximum performance in the various flight phases or to replace the traditional surfaces for controlling the aircraft.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A Preliminary Evaluation of Morphing Horizontal Tail Design for UAVs

Montano,

Dimino,

Milazzo

2024

Aerospace

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Morphing structures are a relatively new aircraft technology currently being investigated for a variety of applications, from civil to military. Despite the lack of literature maturity and its complexity, morphing wings offer significant aerodynamic benefits over a wide range of flight conditions, enabling reduced aircraft fuel consumption and airframe noise, longer range and higher efficiency. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of morphing horizontal tail design on aircraft performance and flight mechanics. This study is conducted on a 1:5 scale model of a Preceptor N-3 Pup at its trim condition, of which the longitudinal dynamics is implemented in MATLAB. Starting from the original horizontal tail airfoil NACA 0012 with the elevator deflected at the trim value, this is modified by using the X-Foil tool to obtain a smooth morphing airfoil trailing edge shape with the same CLα. By comparing both configurations and their influence on the whole aircraft, the resulting improvements are evaluated in terms of stability in the short-period mode, reduction in the parasitic drag coefficient CD0, and increased endurance at various altitudes.

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Design and Analysis of MataMorph-3: A Fully Morphing UAV with Camber-Morphing Wings and Tail Stabilizers

Cited by 12 publications

References 32 publications

Design and Validation of the Trailing Edge of a Variable Camber Wing Based on a Two-Dimensional Airfoil

Design and Validation of the Trailing Edge of a Variable Camber Wing Based on a Two-Dimensional Airfoil

3D-Printed Bio-Inspired Mechanisms for Bird-like Morphing Drones

A Preliminary Evaluation of Morphing Horizontal Tail Design for UAVs

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