Airfoil trailing edge morphing based on modified SMAHC concept: design, implementation, and experimental studies

In this paper the suitability of active shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) technology to realize an adaptive airfoil trailing edge is evaluated. The demonstrator component investigated highlights the potential of such concept as an extreme lightweight variant of a morphing trailing edge. The main challenges for successful implementation according to today´s typical requirements were identified. The investigation includes analysis and model based modification of an successfully flight tested concept for adaptive vortex generators,1 as well as the design and implementation of a demonstrator of a morphing trailing edge, and its experimental investigation in the laboratory.