Authors: Sheri Srujan Reddy, Thota Ramanna Dora Prabhas, Mancholla Ranateja, Assistant Professor Dr. P Kiran Kumar
Abstract: Traditional control surfaces on aircraft have been based on rigidly hinged flap sections that create unavoidable geometric discontinuities. These generate early flow separation and parasite drag, hindering aerodynamic performance in different flight conditions. This study explores the application of camber morphing, a biological concept involving wing deformation similar to those seen in bird-like flying organisms. The main goal of this study was to develop an adaptable mechanism, capable of changing the average camber line of the airfoil while keeping its structural integrity intact. The focus is put on a “Fishbone Active Camber” (Fish BAC), or [add name of the mechanism used, for instance, SMA or Rib-Linkage] based structure which replaces a hinge mechanism at the rear-spar position of the wing with a continuous flexible skin allowing for an even pressure distribution along the wingspan. The method involved a two-step approach. First, numerical simulations were carried out using an omega SST turbulence model to compare the aerodynamic parameters of the standard NACA 2412 airfoil with a morphing one. It is evident that the morphing wing has successfully reduced pressure drag significantly by removing the "hinge-gap" problem. More precisely, when the Angle of Attack (AOA) is 6 degrees, the morphing wing has shown a Lift-to-Drag ratio improvement of about 12 to 15 percent over the conventional flaps wing system. Also, flow visualization proved that the onset of turbulence occurred much later, thus broadening the aircraft's range of efficient flight.
