Embedded shape memory alloys confer aerodynamic profile adaptivity

Abstract

Within the framework of a European collaboration, a feasibility study has been carried out on adaptive composites and their potential applications. Two aerospace companies and three universities have shared their expertise to investigate different aspects of adaptive composites with embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. This highly multidisciplinary project reached from basic research on the materials' constituents to their possible industrial use, resulting in an ‘adaptive’ aircraft winglet as a demonstrator device.