Design and application of PneuNets bending actuator

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to propose an improved design of PneuNets bending actuator which aims at obtaining larger deflection with the same magnitude of pressure. The PneuNets bending actuator shows potential application in the morphing trailing edge concept. Design/methodology/approach Finite element method is used to investigate the characteristics of the improved design bending actuator. Multiobjective optimal design of the PneuNets bending actuator is proposed based on the Gauss process regression models. Findings The maximum deflection is obtained when the height of the beams is smaller than half the height of the chambers. The spacing between chambers (beam length) has little effect on the deflection. Larger spacing could be used to reduce the actuator weight. Originality/value With the same pressure magnitude, the deflection of the improved design bending actuator is much larger than that of the baseline configuration. PneuNets bending actuator could increase the continuity of the aerodynamic surface compared to other actuators.