A Shape Variable Gap Cover Concept for Aerodynamic Control Surfaces Based on Shear Deformation

A morphing gap cover concept for the longitudinal gap on the edge of aerodynamic control surfaces is presented. The gap cover is completely passive, all loads are transferred to the adjacent control surfaces. Aerodynamic losses, noise, and radar cross sections can potentially be reduced by this gap cover. Macroscopic material design and additive manufacturing are key factors that allow to create skin materials and sandwich structures that can perform large shear deformations while maintaining high in-plane tension stiffness and bending stiffness. The resulting gap cover is relatively stiff with regard to the aerodynamic loads but can be deformed with relatively low actuation forces. A detailed model of a large scale gap cover (transport aircraft scale) is shown as well as a small scale hardware demonstrator, intended for smaller scale aircraft like sailplanes.     «

A morphing gap cover concept for the longitudinal gap on the edge of aerodynamic control surfaces is presented. The gap cover is completely passive, all loads are transferred to the adjacent control surfaces. Aerodynamic losses, noise, and radar cross sections can potentially be reduced by this gap cover. Macroscopic material design and additive manufacturing are key factors that allow to create skin materials and sandwich structures that can perform large shear deformations while maintaining hi...     »