Thermal design methodology for attaching morphing components

Abstract

Seamless skins for morphing vehicles have been demonstrated as feasible but establishing robust fastening methods for morphing skins is one of the next key challenges. Skin materials previously developed by Cornerstone Research Group and others include high-performance, reinforced elastomeric and shape memory polymer (SMP)-based composites. Recent focus has shifted to improving performance and increasing the technology readiness level of these materials. Cycling of recently demonstrated morphing skins has determined that an abrupt interface between rigid and soft materials leads to localized failure at the interface over time. In this paper, a fundamental understanding between skin material properties and transition zone design are combined with advanced modeling techniques. A thermal gradient methodology is simulated to predict performance benefits. Experimental testing and simulations demonstrated improvement in morphing component performance for a uniaxial case. This work continues to advance development to eliminate fastening as the weak link in morphing skin technology and provides tools for use in morphing structure design.