Body-Flexure Control with Smart Actuation for Hypervelocity Missiles

"We take advantage of the flexibility of slender missiles, rather than treating it as an undesirable feature, by using smart structure (PZT) to actuate the CKEM center-body in achieving instant bending through aeroelastic amplification. Thus, the CKEM canbe controlled effectively in hypersonic/supersonic flight without any control canards. Nor would it require mechanical actuation for hinged bent-nose control. Hence, the merit of the body-flexure PZT control CKEM design lies in its being a simpler systembut with reduced weight and enhanced maneuverability.The proof-of-concept study is overwhelmingly positive in favor of PZT-actuated body flexure control design concept. A low-power PZT control system is proven feasible for trim, and high-G maneuver control of hypervelocity CKEM configurations. Whilemaintaining stability, the CKEM smart-actuation control forces and moments can be amplified by the aeroelastic effects of an optimum aeroelastically-tailored composite structure using ASTROS* optimization. ASTROS* can also optimize sensor and PZTlocations which are necessary to achieve an ultimately effective control system design.ZONA intends to work closely with the MRDEC R&D personnel and system developers for the continuing staged-CKEM development. The phase I outcome will be a minimum weight structure and a minimum-power integrated control system design that satisfies givenperformance requirements. ZONA envisions that ASTROS* and