 
Morphing
Systems
Adaptive structures allowing drastic wing shape
changes have been a long-term goal of the aerospace industry.
CRG is developing two methods of allowing wings to change
from a slow-flight loitering, high-efficiency configuration
to one designed for high speed and maneuverability. This shape
change can occur repeatedly with no loss of material integrity.
CRG’s shape memory polymer, Veriflex®,
is being used to create a seamless wing skin that can be heated,
reshaped by the internal wing structure, cooled, then reheated
and moved back to the original shape. A real-time morphing
wing shape increases versatility in the flight capabilities
and function of an aircraft.
Veriflex is also being used to develop hinges
that allow wings to bend at set points. This will allow planes
to change from a loitering configuration to high-speed and
high-maneuverability shapes.
Morphing Wing Structures Program
Morphing
Systems - An Overview
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