The design and aerodynamic analysis of intelligent variable camber airfoils with MFC

The intelligent morphing airfoil can adaptively change the shape of the airfoil according to different flight conditions to improve aerodynamic efficiency and aircraft performance. Thus, an intelligent airfoil structure is designed to achieve continuous and smooth deformation of the trailing edge of the airfoil, where a macro fiber composite is considered as an actuator, and a carbon fiber reinforced composite material is chosen as a load-bearing part. An experimental model is made based on the three-dimensional designed model, and the trailing edge deformability of the airfoil under direct current drive is analyzed through the static experiments. Then, a shear stress transfer turbulence model is used to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of the designed airfoil by the computational fluid dynamics module in COMSOL Multiphysics. The effects of the trailing edge deflection angle, the attack angle of the airfoil, and the incoming velocity on the aerodynamic characteristics of the morphing airfoil are also studied. Finally, the dynamical characteristics of the variable camber airfoil are discussed experimentally, including the natural frequencies and the effect of the high-low coupling excitations on the vibration of the airfoil.