DLR's Research in Morphing Structures for Aeronautics

Abstract

A variety of morphing structures technologies for fixed wing and rotorcraft applications have been investigated over several years in collaborative national and international projects. Morphing structures, with their ability to adapt shape to different operating conditions, offer potential performance benefits, particularly in fuel efficiency, emissions reductions, noise and other operational benefits. The underlying challenge is to design systems of structures and materials, well-tuned to their operating conditions, that can change shape and hold forces, whilst being as lightweight and energy efficient as possible. This talk presents an overview of these different applications from morphing wing leading edges, trailing edges, winglets and rotorblades for commercial aviation along with the research results and lessons learned.