Adaptive Materials for Morphing Aircraft Skins

The overarching objective of the proposed Phase II is to increase the technology readiness level to enable technology insertion at the conclusion of the Phase II effort. During Phase II, efforts will focus on the optimization of novel adaptive materials enabling future morphing aircraft applications. Composite Technology Development Inc. (CTD) will work with Raytheon Missile Systems and The United States Air Force to provide material metrics suitable for morphing aircraft. An intensive material development effort will be used to optimize the most promising materials developed under the Phase I program. Technical focus will center on the improvement of aerodynamic performance, improvement of material mechanics and durability, stimulus for rapid large modulus change, and material qualification. Integrated development and characterization will be conducted in team with Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GTRC), which will provide test methodology development and thermo-mechanical and mechanical test capabilities to establish fundamental structure-property improvements. Analytical models will be developed toward increased material understanding and predictive performance.