Shape Memory Alloy - NASA uses shape memory alloy folding F/A-18 wing

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NASA uses shape memory alloy folding F/A-18 wing

author: ZWMET [ 2019-02-25 21:17:48 ]

Shape Memory Alloy - NASA uses shape memory alloy folding F/A-18 wing

NASA engineers used a new Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator to fold the 300-pound (136 kg) wing of the F/A-18 Hornet Supersonic Fighter for cutting-edge aviation. Space technology has added new tricks.

The test was conducted at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The test used a newly developed high-temperature SMA torque tube actuator made of Nitinol, which produced 5,000 inches (564 nm) of torque.

According to NASA, the recent test is the agency's progress toward the Adaptive Wing (SAW) project. By simplifying the aircraft design, they will be able to replace complex mechanical, hydraulic and electric brakes with components or wings made of memory alloys. Developed by NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center, Langley Research Center, Boeing Research and Technology, and Area-I, this SAW can reduce the weight of the actuator by 80%.

The key part of this is the memory alloy, a special combination of metals that maintains a “memory” of shape. The SMA actuator works like this metal, and the actuator can be changed in shape without the aid of a motor, pulley or hydraulic pressure by heating or other means of stimulation. One of NASA's current research directions is the development of foldable wings that will become lighter, simpler, longer, thinner, more fuel efficient and have a stabilizing device. This technology also allows the wing of the aircraft to be deformed according to different space conditions and even improve the performance of the supersonic aircraft.

The result of a joint effort between NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center, Langley Research Center, Boeing Research and Technology, and Area-I is that the weight of the electric drive can be reduced by 80%.

The key to this is the memory alloy, which is a special combination of metals that maintains the "memory" of its shape. In other words, if you stretch the spring made of memory alloy, smash it into a ball and then heat it, it will bounce back to its original shape.

SMA actuators work the same way.

By applying heat or other stimuli, the actuator can change shape without the need for a motor, pulley or hydraulics.

NASA's current focus is on the production of foldable wings. One day, the wings may become lighter and simpler, with longer, thinner wings, stabilizers and a more fuel-efficient rudder. This technology can also deform the wing of the aircraft to take advantage of different air conditions and even improve the performance of the supersonic aircraft.

So far, SMA drives have been tested on the Remote Control Prototype Technology Evaluation Research Aircraft (PTERA), but NASA is now installing SMA actuators on the F/A-18 Hornet wing. Currently, SMA actuators have been tested on the remotely controlled Prototype Technology-Evaluation Reserch Aircraft, and NASA is now conducting further testing on the F/A-18 Hornet. During the test, the actuator not only allows the wing to be folded up and down 90 degrees but also allows for very precise control. In the future, this folding technology will also be used on fighter aircraft on aircraft carriers, or it can be folded down as if the aircraft were flying under simulated actual flight loads.

NASA said the F/A-18 test will continue in the next few months until a new actuator is installed that produces 20,000 pounds (2,260 nanometers) of torque that can be applied to the leading and trailing edge of the wing.