Morphing High Temperature Shape Memory Alloy Actuators for Hypersonic Projectiles

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materials present unique benefits to the control and stabilization of hypersonic projectiles. Midé and the University of Colorado at Boulder is proposing to exploit these benefits of SMA materials for the control of hypersonic projectile by developing and analyzing concepts that will achieve desired flight control characteristics within the aero-thermal environment. The University of Colorado at Boulder brings substantial experience in the fields of aeroelasticity and the shape optimization of aero-surfaces undergoing fluid-structure interaction phenomena. The Boulder team will help to develop, analyze and optimize the aero-surface actuator concepts. Midé's strength is its experience with morphing fins and structures obtained through programs with the U.S. Army and DARPA.Phase I will addresses important questions regarding the feasibility of the innovation. Phase I will develop requirements, establish material characteristics of high-temperature shape memory alloys and prepare performance studies of a number of concepts. A successful Phase I would reduce the technical risk and allow Phase II to develop (detail design and fabrication) and demonstrate a prototype or prototypes of flight control actuators for the flight control and stabilization of hypersonic projectiles.