Design and development of a morphing wing trailing edge

Modern aircraft rely on mechanical actuators and hydraulic systems to move flaps and slats that allow an increase of lift at low speed. Although these systems are reliable and really efficient, gaps in between the extendable parts of flaps create lots of noise. Moreover, the conventional actuation system is quite complex due to the need for oleo-dynamic cylinders (or electrical actuators), hinges, leverages, slides. Furthermore, these devices have discrete displacement of motion (in terms of angle) and they can be used during take-off and landing phases only due to the high dynamic pressure during the cruise phase. The aim of this project is to find an alternative to conventional flaps creating a morphing trailing edge. The rear part of the wing performs the same job as classic flaps but in this work the feasibility of a change in technology is addressed: a new way to obtain a change in airfoil camber can be achieved without discontinuities on the surface by introducing the concept of morphing wing. Removing the gaps between the movable and fixed surfaces will reduce significantly the noise both for passenger comfort and environmental issue. Furthermore, an increase in aerodynamic efficiency and a reduction of weight - which in turn lead to savings in terms of fuel - as well as an increase in reliability due to the need to use less parts have to be investigated in the future to better understand pros and cons of the morphing wing concept. The morphing trailing edge could be divided into separate sections along the wing span in order to have a behavior similar to a set of single actuated mechanisms (controlled independently) with no constraints in displacements so that small changes can be applied during cruise condition to change the twist of the wing and aerodynamic performances depending on the attitude and speed.