Smart Structures Technology Development for Micrometeorite Detection

The performance of virtually all aircraft can be significantly improved through the management and control of detached airflow using vortex generation. Through vortex management, gains such as a one to two percent decrease in operation expense as well as increased payload and range are quite reasonable. The primary objective of the proposed research is to specify and design a shape memory alloy (SMA) based vortex generator and develop useful closed-loop vortex manipulation system in the laboratory. This system will consist of a vortex manipulation device, Innovative Dynamics, Inc.'s vortex sensor array and processing unit. The Phase I effort will emphasize a controllable vane vortex generator made of SMA. Further development of vortex generators and control algorithms will take place during Phase II and inflight testing during Phase III. Successful development of a closed-loops vortex control system would lead to active systems that will significantly increase the performance of the aircraft fleet as a whole, in particular it would improve efficiency and increase safety.