Design, analysis and experimental validation of a morphing UAV wing

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Description/Abstract

The design of wings with morphing capabilities is known to giveaerodynamic benefits. These aero-dynamic benefits come fromboth the use of hinge-less surfaces and the greater adaptability toflight conditions. This paper describes the structural design of atwisting wing to be used for an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) andpresents finite element analysis and experiment results. This ispart of a research project carried out at the University ofSouthampton in which one of the goals is to compare differentnovel wing designs and technologies to determine which one ofthem gives the best performance. The twisting capability providesroll control without hinged surfaces hence providing aerodynamicimprovement. The wing is manufactured using polystyrene foamand is cut out of block of this material using a hot wire machine.In order to link this foam structure to a main spar, ABS plasticinserts were manufactured using a 3D printer. The mechanismsused to actuate the wing are also made from this material. A fullscale UAV wing has been manufactured and tested in order tocompare with FEA result.