Composite panels and system for active flow control on motor vehicles
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsKevin Howard, Andres Arrieta Diaz, Karthik Boddapati, Michael Kelley
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Abstract
A composite panel includes a matrix, actuator elements disposed within the matrix or secured to an exterior surface of the composite panel, a plurality of slits, and an electrical termination area coupled to the shape memory fibers/elements. The plurality of slits are arranged parallel to each other and extend through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel. A power supply is configured to apply a burst voltage to the shape memory fibers/elements to change a shape of the composite panel, thereby modifying an airflow extending across the composite panel during operation.
Claims20
A composite panel comprising:
- a matrix;
- shape memory fibers disposed within the matrix;
- a plurality of slits extending through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel, the plurality of slits being open and exposed to an external surface of the composite panel and arranged parallel to each other;
- and
- an electrical termination area coupled to the shape memory fibers.
A system for active airflow control, the system comprising:
- a power supply;
- and
- a composite panel comprising:
- a matrix;
- structural fiber reinforcements disposed within the matrix;
- shape memory fibers disposed within the matrix;
- a plurality of slits extending through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel, the plurality of slits being open and exposed to an external surface of the composite panel and arranged parallel to each other;
- and
- an electrical termination area coupled to the shape memory fibers and the power supply,
- wherein the power supply is configured to apply a burst voltage to the composite panel and change a shape of the composite panel, thereby modifying an airflow extending across the composite panel during operation.
A system for active airflow control, the system comprising:
- a power supply;
- and
- a composite panel comprising:
- a matrix;
- structural fiber reinforcements disposed within the matrix;
- actuator elements secured to at least one exterior surface of the composite panel;
- a plurality of slits extending through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel, the plurality of slits being open and exposed to an external surface of the composite panel and arranged parallel to each other;
- and
- an electrical termination area coupled to the actuator elements and the power supply,
- wherein the power supply is configured to apply a burst voltage to the actuator elements and change a shape of the composite panel, thereby modifying an airflow extending across the composite panel during operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.