Smart Fixed Wings using Shape Memory Alloys
Themes: Energy, Social Impact, Materials
Early prototype
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
Wings of conventional aircrafts have a fixed geometry. Smart Fixed-Wings can continuously adapt to the current flight conditions.
How?
By means of a kind of smart materials called Shape Memory Alloys which are able to change and maintain different shapes.
When?
It is still in design and early testing phase. If it shows a good performance and it is safe, it could be implemented in several years.
Ir. Adrián Lara-Quintanilla