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A novel approach to control the shape change of a reconfigurable wing using shape memory alloy

Thesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007. / Engineers and Technologists have found several approaches to control the
shape of an aerofoil and improve the performance of a wing at different flow
regimes; this research has been done at 2D level. In this work, a novel
approach has been developed. The inspiration for this work comes from
biological research. A 3D wing body has been modeled and flow conditions
around it were simulated by advanced computer technology. The fabrication of
the wing, based on the design optimization model, has been conducted using
rapid prototyping technology. The unique thermal and mechanical properties
that are exhibited by shape memory alloys (SMAs) have presented an exciting
design possibility in the field of aerospace engineering. This kind of smart
material was incorporated in the wing structure and when activated can alter
the shape of the wing, thus effectively increasing the efficiency of a wing in
flight, at several different flow regimes.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:cput/oai:localhost:20.500.11838/1266
Date January 2007
CreatorsXing, Zhe
PublisherCape Peninsula University of Technology
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Rightshttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/za/

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