Smart Structures: Recent Developments within Aeronautics Applications (Invited Review)

Abstract

Smart structures influence the elastomechanical behaviour in a wanted way by optimally integrated actuators and sensors to realize morphing, active vibration reduction, active structural acoustic control and structural health monitoring. Especially in aeronautics large progress can be observed, meaning that the lab stage has been passed and high TRL levels are reached. Challenges for harsh environmental conditions involving lightning strike, bird impact and icing, just to name a few, have to be overcome. Also integrational aspects of actuators and sensors play a major role to realize lightweight and producible smart structure like morphing droop noses, actively twisted rotor blades, smart linings or CFRP fuselages with integrated structural health monitoring. This review gives an overview of some recent applications within aeronautics which involve full-scale demonstration and wind tunnel testing of smart structures as well as an outlook for further developments.