Presenter(s)

Austin Shelley Mills

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Description

This research involves a computational assessment of the strength and rigidity of tensegrity systems configured as aircraft wings, and comparison to conventional wing structures. Tensegrity systems consist of a series of compressed struts connected by tensioned cables that place the system in a self-equilibrium state. With all components being loaded axially, a tensegrity system has a potentially large strength-to-weight ratio. Further, tensegrity systems are able to alter their shape by changing the length of the cables or struts, presenting the ability to function as morphing aircraft wings. Aircraft with wings that are able to alter their sweep, span, chord, and camber are particularly attractive for their ability change between high maneuverability to high lift to low drag configurations. Current work focuses on tensegrity wing topology optimization formulations.

Publication Date

4-24-2019

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Andrew P. Murray, Dave Harry Myszka

Primary Advisor's Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords

Stander Symposium project

Assessment of Tensegrity-Based Aircraft Wings Capable of Morphing

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