Development and application of a new performance model on aircraft wings through memory alloys

• Grant number: 07/06369-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2007
• End date: November 30, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Vicente Lopes Junior
• Grantee: Cássio Thomé de Faria
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Shape memory alloy is a group of metallic materials that has the ability to return to its original predefined shape when submitted to a proper thermal procedure. The shape memory effect occurs due changes in the microcrystalline structure of the material, when it is submitted to a temperature or a stress field. The structure presents two macrostructures, the martensite, and the austenite. The main characteristic is the ability to undergo large plastic strain. Such property can be applied in silent and light actuators, which has several applications in engineering. For this research a new actuation method though shape memory alloy for airplane wings is proposed. The wing actuated by this method is called “smart wing”. By applying this method there is a reduction of weight, a decrease in the maintenance costs, besides it improves the aerodynamics of the structure. Will be proposed a mathematical model that describes the structure behavior, and a prototype will be build.