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Article
3D-Printed Wings with Morphing Trailing-Edge Technology
AIAA Scitech Forum Virtual Event
  • Benjamin C. Moulton, Utah State University
  • Douglas F. Hunsaker, Utah State University
Document Type
Conference Paper
Publisher
Aerospace Research Central
Location
Virtual
Publication Date
1-4-2021
Abstract

In recent years, various groups have attempted to improve aircraft efficiency using wings with morphing trailing-edge technology. Most of these solutions are difficult to manufacture or have limited morphing capability. The present paper outlines a research effort to develop an easy to manufacture, fully 3D-printed morphing wing. This approach is advantageous due to the low cost, minimal man-hours required for manufacturing, and speed at which design iterations can be explored. Several prototypes were designed and tested and lessons learned from these iterations have been documented. Additionally, printer settings have been tested and catalogued to assist others attempting to reproduce these results. Performance was considered in terms of total deflection. Two concepts are presented as potential 3D-printed morphing-wing mechanisms. The Airfoil Recambering Compliant System (ARCS) is presented as a solution for a wing using continuous trailing-edge technology. The Kinetic Internal Nexus Compliant System (KINCS) is presented as a solution for a wing using discontinuous trailing-edge technology. The final KINCS design used for a prototype flying-wing aircraft is presented.

Citation Information
Moulton, B. C., and Hunsaker, D. F., “3D-Printed Wings with Morphing Trailing-Edge Technology,” AIAA Scitech Forum Virtual Event, January 2021, AIAA-2021-0351 DOI: 10.2514/6.2021-0351