Seok-Min Ahn

Morphing Wing Mechanism Using an SMA Wire Actuator

In general, a conventional flap on an aircraft wing can reduce the aerodynamic efficiency due to geometric discontinuity. On the other hand, the aerodynamic performance can be improved by using a shape-morphing wing instead of a separate flap. In this research, a new flap morphing mechanism that can change the wing shape smoothly was devised to prevent aerodynamic losses. Moreover, a prototype wing was fabricated to demonstrate the morphing mechanism. A shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuator was used for the morphing wing. The specific current range was measured to control the SMA actuator. The deflection angles at the trailing edge were also measured while various currents were applied to the SMA actuator. The trailing edge of the wing changed smoothly when the current was applied. Moreover, the deflection angle also increased as the current increased. The maximum frequency level was around 0.1 Hz. The aerodynamic performance of the deformed airfoil by the SMA wire was analyzed by using the commercial program GAMBIT and FLUENT. The results were compared with the results of an undeformed wing. It was demonstrated that the morphing mechanism changes the wing shape smoothly without the extension of the wing skin.

Power Characteristic Variation Simulation of Hybrid Electric Propulsion System for Small UAV

It is conducted that power characteristic variation simulation of electric propulsion system that uses fuel cells, solar cells and a battery as power sources. Combining each power source, 400W electric propulsion system have been modeled and verified. In result, without active control logic, it is confirmed that battery`s power response is faster than other power sources at starting and transient condition, fuel cell and solar cell are a major electrical power during cruise condition. After completing flight, SOC is 24.2% at the winter solstice and is 93% at the summer solstice, It is revealed that active power control for sustaining proper SOC is necessary as a securing the system safety and effective power distribution.

KC-100 Full-scale Airframe Static Test

A full-scale static test for a composite structure small aircraft (KC-100) was conducted in the KARI. The test includes 15 full-scale test and 7 local test conditions. Test requirements with test schedule, test article with dummy structures, test load generation, test system, and equipment are introduced for the test. Test load data of the 1st test condition(U1) was analyzed to evaluate an accuracy of load control for the test. The analysis results show that load data obtained during test were within tolerance of Static Null Pacing Error(SNPE) and the error value of load control was 8.6N. The error of load controls for the full-scale static test using dozens of actuators was calculated by a method suggested by authors. Test data for all other test conditions is also shown in this paper. Finally, reactions measured from restraint system of the U1 test condition show that the reaction changes as load increment. The factors which may change the change of reactions for a full-scale static test are introduced in this study.

Experimental Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Morphing Airfoil Configuration

The present paper is the preliminary study of the development of a morphing aircraft wing and investigates experimently the aerodynamic characteristics of a base airfoil and a morphing airfoil. The wind tunnel tests are conducted for a base Clark-Y airfoil, an airfoil with a mechanical flap, and a morphing airfoil. Lifts, drags, and pitching moments are measured by using a three-axis load cell and they are calibrated by considering solid blockage and wake blockage. The wind tunnel tests are conducted for various air speeds, Reynolds’ numbers, and angles of attack. The experimental results show that the aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing airfoil in lift-drag and lift-pitching moment are better than those of the airfoil with a mechanical flap.

Numerical Study of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Airfoil with Thickness Uncertainty for a Wind Tunnel Testing

Numerical investigation is performed to understand the effects of thickness uncertainty of a supporting airfoil due to manufacturing processes on the aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil used for measuring data in a wind tunnel testing. This is done by comparing the coefficients of lift, drag and moment of the airfoils. In this work, the airfoil model consists of three parts, one located in the center for measuring and two outer parts used for supporting. The study is carried out with a NACA64-418 airfoil and the turbulence model of Transition SST. It is found that the effect of thickness uncertainty of the airfoils used for supporting is not significant to the performance of the test airfoil at various angles of attack and Reynolds numbers.

Full-scale static test of small composite aircraft

This paper addresses the accuracy of test load application and reaction prediction of aircraft full-scale static test. Factors which have an effect on the accuracy of load application have been identified. An effective procedure for installing test article and actuators is proposed to achieve accurate loading direction compared to conventional one. A method to define quality of load control for a full-scale static test is suggested by using root mean square deviation (RMSD) of command-feedback (CMF) values. Test result of U1 test condition for the KC-100 full-scale static test has shown 8.7 N of averaged RMSD value. At the end, an approach to make general equation for reaction to load increment has been presented and reaction can be assumed to have relation of linear to load increment for symmetric load condition. The linear behavior has been shown through a test data of the KC-100 aircraft which has high stiffness of composite material structure. The test result presents that the linear behavior of the reaction has been well corresponding to the linear model.