Rauscher, Scott Gibson
(2008)
Testing and Analysis of Shape-memory Polymers for Morphing Aircraft Skin Application.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Morphing aircraft have the potential to possess a variety of advantages over current static aircraft, such as improved maneuverability, increased speed and better fuel efficiency. This thesis focuses on testing the feasibility of a shape-memory polymer to function as the skin of a morphing aircraft undergoing the wing-sweep method of wing shape-change. A review of literature is presented, giving a brief history of shape-memory polymers, an overview of current significant shape-memory polymer application, an overview of current morphing aircraft in morphing application and an overview of the current methods to activate shape-memory polymers. Analytical and finite element models are created to predict out-of-plane deformations caused by aerodynamic loads on an independently functioning sub-section of a tile array that would comprise the skin of a morphing aircraft. Five generations of a shape-memory polymer tile sub-section with embedded fibers are described and subsequently tested to confirm analytical and finite element models. Alternate shape-memory polymer tile sub-sections are created to specifically address the problem of buckling as the tile experiences shear-induced shape-change mimicking that seen in a morphing aircraft. Bi-axial pre-strains are induced on the alternate tile sub-sections to successfully cure the buckling problem. Finite element modeling, thermal analytical analysis and screw-driven load frame machine data are used to calculate the power required to induce shape-change as well as sufficiently heat the tile sub-section via its embedded wires. Power requirements, experimental results and modeling results are discussed in terms of real-world feasibility. Finally, suggestions are made for future work on a similar topic.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
8 September 2008 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
11 April 2008 |
| Approval Date: |
8 September 2008 |
| Submission Date: |
15 April 2008 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Swanson School of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering |
| Degree: |
MSME - Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Nichrome; Ritz Method; Veriflex |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04152008-141110/, etd-04152008-141110 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 19:37 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:40 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/7197 |
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