Hierarchical Approach for Conceptual Design of Morphing Devices

This paper presents a suggested generic process for selecting and subsequently integrating arbitrary morphing devices specifically during aircraft conceptual and predesign stages. The absence of formally documented procedures by academia and industry alike necessitated the formulation of a standardized objective-driven, top-down approach where implementation of novel adaptive utilities could come into consideration. For the suggested hierarchical approach six top-down Morphing Resolution Levels (MRLs) are introduced where the contents are populated by an array of expert catalogues. Qualitative assessment follows the Georgia Institute of Technology Strategic Planning and Prioritization (SP2) process and encompasses five phases: (1) Problem Definition; (2) Effect Translation; (3) Outer Mold Line Morphing; (4) Structural Layout; and, (5) Technology Selection. This process results in a down-selection of the most pragmatically effective morphing schemes to be considered for further design investigation.