US 8,434,293 B2 · High stiffness shape memory alloy actuated aerostructure

Abstract

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated aerostructure operable to dynamically change shape according to flight conditions is disclosed. Deformable structures are actuated by SMA actuators that are coupled to face sheets of the deformable structures. Actuating the SMA actuators produces complex shape changes of the deformable structures by activating shape changes of the SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are actuated via an active or passive temperature change based on operating conditions. The SMA actuated aerostructure can be used for morphable nozzles such as a variable area fan nozzle and/or a variable geometry chevron of a jet engine to reduce engine noise during takeoff without degrading fuel burn during cruise.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A shape memory alloy actuated aerostructure comprising:

a first face sheet;
a second face sheet;
and
at least one shape memory alloy actuator comprising one layer of shape memory alloy metal coupled to the first face sheet at at least one first location on the first face sheet and coupled to the second face sheet at a plurality of second locations on the second face sheet and operable to obtain an optimum area for a variable area fan nozzle by morphing the shape memory alloy actuated aerostructure thereby reducing noise, the at least one first location and the second locations located at substantially maxima and minima of the at least one shape memory alloy actuator respectively.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High stiffness shape memory alloy actuated aerostructure

Life of this patent

High stiffness shape memory alloy actuated aerostructure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19