A Practical Variable Geometry Aero/Hydrodynamic Control Surface

Nielsen Engineering & Research (NEAR) is proposing the development of a practical, variable geometry fluid mechanical control surface which offers reduced weight, complexity, power consumption, and cost as compared to other potential solutions. The complete system incorporates an array of surface pressure sensors to monitor the boundary layer state, control laws to provide feedback for real-time manipulation of the foil, a simplified shape control mechanism, and an innovative foil skin material. During the Phase I program NEAR will 1) generate detailed design specifications for the pressure sensing system, 2) design and prototype a shape control mechanism capable of generating optimized thickness/camber profiles using a minimum number of actuators, and 3) fabricate an innovative skin for the adaptive foil allowing repeated, high strain cycling without permanent distortion. The Phase I program will conclude with functional demonstration of the shape control mechanism and skin material integrated into an adaptive foil (without pressure sensing hardware or closed-loop control means). During the Phase II effort NEAR will develop and wind tunnel test a complete closed-loop, real-time variable geometry foil with an integrated pressure sensing array and the necessary control laws.