The shape-shifting wing: Aviation's next revolution | Nemmat Tabandeh | TEDxKings College School

Key Concepts

• Morphic Wings
• Compliant Morphic Materials
• Active Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE)
• Flaps (conventional)
• Actuators
• Aerodynamic Devices
• Noise Pollution
• Fuel Burn Efficiency
• Emissions Reduction

Introduction to Morphic Wings and Compliant Morphic Materials

The video introduces the concept of "morphic wings" as a revolutionary advancement in aerospace technology, contrasting the current mechanical flaps on aircraft wings with a future vision of seamless, shape-shifting wings. This transformation is enabled by "compliant morphic materials." These materials are defined as a class that can have their properties directly influenced by external stimuli, such as environmental changes or mechanical processes. Their advanced microscopic structure allows them to alter their shape and transition between different states.

Application in Aerospace: The Active Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE)

In the context of aerospace, compliant morphic materials are integrated into the rear edge of commercial aircraft wings. Microscopic actuators embedded within the structure deform the wing's shape, influencing its positioning. This results in a "shape-shifting wing." This technology has been trialled and experimented with under the name "active compliant trailing edge" (ACTE).

Limitations of Conventional Flaps

The transcript highlights the limitations of conventional flaps, which are mechanical surfaces found on almost all airplanes. Flaps are extended or lowered into the airflow beneath the wing to aid in slowing down the aircraft and enabling safe maneuvering at lower speeds. However, these devices have significant drawbacks:

• Complexity and Size: Conventional flaps are often large and complex, requiring numerous mechanisms and levers for operation.
• Structural Considerations: Their complexity necessitates additional structural considerations, which can sometimes hinder their intended function.
• Speed Limitations: Due to their design, flaps are often only effective at slow speeds, which can be counterproductive to their purpose of slowing the aircraft.
• Stage-Specific Effectiveness: Different types of flaps are optimal for different flight stages. For instance, "high drag flaps" are useful during landing but not ideal for takeoff.
• Limited Flexibility: While pilots can adjust flap angles slightly, the lack of a wide range of flexibility significantly reduces their overall effectiveness.

Benefits of Morphic Wings (ACTE)

The ACTE technology aims to replace conventional flaps with a portion of the wing surface that can transform its shape. This offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Flexibility: The shape-shifting capability provides pilots with significantly more flexibility, allowing for a much greater range of wing angles.
• Seamless Aerodynamics: Instead of a plate extending below the wing, the ACTE becomes an integral part of the wing, creating a smooth and continuous surface.
• Noise Reduction: NASA trials retrofitting an aircraft with this technology resulted in a reported 30% reduction in noise levels. This is a significant benefit for residents living near airports and addresses a key complaint against airport expansions.
• Fuel Efficiency: Preliminary tests indicated a 2% reduction in fuel burn. While seemingly small, this translates to substantial savings and environmental benefits on a global scale.
• Environmental Impact: Increased efficiency and reduced emissions contribute to the aviation industry's ambition for a greener future.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its promising benefits, the ACTE technology faces several challenges:

• Development and Scale: It requires significant work and innovation to realize its full potential at a large scale.
• Industry Adoption: The unpredictable nature of the aviation industry will influence when manufacturers and airlines choose to adopt this technology.
• Technical Inconveniences: The complex internal structure of the wing can lead to greater issues with maintenance and fuel storage.

However, the speaker expresses strong belief in the technology's future market entry, emphasizing that the aviation industry thrives on ambition and innovation. The technology has been proven on a small scale and requires nurturing and development to become safe, usable, and economic. The speaker concludes that while the exact timeline is uncertain (five, 10, or 15 years), this technology represents "the future of flying."

Conclusion

The video presents morphic wings, specifically the active compliant trailing edge (ACTE) technology utilizing compliant morphic materials, as a transformative innovation for the aviation industry. By replacing complex mechanical flaps with shape-shifting wing surfaces, ACTE promises enhanced aerodynamic flexibility, significant noise reduction, and improved fuel efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable future for air travel. While challenges in large-scale implementation and maintenance remain, the technology is poised to revolutionize flight in the foreseeable future.