Design and Shape Monitoring of a Morphing Wing Trailing Edge

Abstract

The morphing wing trailing edge is an attractive aviation structure due to its shape-adaptive ability, which can effectively improve the aerodynamic performance of an aircraft throughout the whole flight. In this paper, a mechanical solution for a variable camber trailing edge (VCTE) based on a multi-block rotating rib is proposed. Parametric optimizations are conducted to achieve the smooth and continuous deformation of the morphing rib. A prototype is designed according to the optimized results. In addition, the deformations of the trailing edge are monitored via an indirect method using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor beam. Finally, ground tests are performed to investigate the morphing capacity of the VCTE and the shape monitoring ability of the proposed method. Our results indicate that a maximum deflection range from 5° upward to 15° downward can be obtained for the VCTE and the indirect sensing system can satisfactorily monitor the deformation of the trailing edge.