Novel, Bidirectional, Variable-Camber Airfoil via Macro-Fiber Composite Actuators

This study aims to enable solid-state aerodynamic force generation in high-dynamic-pressure airflow. A novel, high-load-output, bidirectional variable-camber airfoil employing a type of piezoceramic composite actuator known as a Macro-Fiber Composite is presented. The novel airfoil employs two active surfaces and a single four-bar (box) mechanism as the internal structure. The unique choice of boundary conditions allows variable and smooth deformation in both directions from a flat camber line. The paper focuses on actuation modeling and response characterization under aerodynamic loads. A parametric study of aerodynamic response is employed to optimize the kinematic parameters of the airfoil. The concept is fabricated by implementing eight Macro-Fiber Composite 8557-P1-type actuators in a bimorph configuration to construct the active surfaces. The box mechanism generates deflection and camber change as predicted. Wind-tunnel experiments are conducted on a 12.6% maximum thickness, 127 mm chord airfoil. Aerodynamic and structural performance results are presented for a flow rate of 15 m /s and a Reynolds number of 127,000. Nonlinear effects due to aerodynamic and piezoceramic hysteresis are identified and discussed. A lift coefficient change of 1.54 is observed purely due to voltage actuation. Results are compared with conventional, zero-camber NACA and other airfoils. A 72% increase in the lift-curve slope is achieved when compared with a NACA 0009 airfoil.