Morphing Skins and Gap Covers for Aerodynamic Control Surfaces

A design and material concept is presented of a cover structure for the gap between adjacent aerodynamic control surfaces, especially in the deflected state. The concept has been developed in the scope of the project SAGITTA. It is based on large and geometrically highly nonlinear shear deformation of a suitable skin material as well as a corresponding support structure. The mechanism is completely passive. The actuators of the control surfaces provide the work required for the skin deformation. Aerodynamic loads generated in the region of the gap cover are transferred to the control surfaces.     «

A design and material concept is presented of a cover structure for the gap between adjacent aerodynamic control surfaces, especially in the deflected state. The concept has been developed in the scope of the project SAGITTA. It is based on large and geometrically highly nonlinear shear deformation of a suitable skin material as well as a corresponding support structure. The mechanism is completely passive. The actuators of the control surfaces provide the work required for the skin deformation....     »