Modelling and Analysis of Morphing Wing Structure for Variable Camber

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 04 | Page : 209-224
    By

    Prathik Jain S,

  • Sundarmahalingham A,

  • Sudhagara Rajan S,

  • Abhishek J,

  • Harshith G Hagalwadi,

  • Sanath S,

  • Tejas S M,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  4. UG Student, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  5. UG Student, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  6. UG Student, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  7. UG Student, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

This study explores the modelling and analysis of a morphing wing with variable camber configurations to observe its aerodynamic characteristics compared to conventional form. The morphing wing is the concept where the shape of the wing is altered mid-flight based on different phases of flight to improve its aerodynamic characteristics. Morphing wing structure designs such as the corrugated and FISHBAC designs were considered for this analysis.  The NACA 2412 airfoil was selected among NACA 0012 and Wortmann 63-137 as it was suitable to accommodate the morphing actuation system and has better aerodynamic performance. In order to imitate the morphing wing movement, multiple models of morphing wing airfoils were modelled based on the deflections at the trailing edge using analytical calculations. These models were then used for aerodynamic analysis under similar conditions. The aerodynamic analysis showed the morphing structures better lift and lower drag at higher angles of attacks. They also had a delay in stall compared to the conventional airfoil. The wing design was modelled using CATIA V5, and static structural analysis was conducted in ANSYS to observe deformation under actuation loads. The study also evaluated three materials-Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)-to identify the suitable material for morphing wing applications. The analysis results showed ABS as the most suitable material due to its better deformation characteristics, making it ideal for achieving the desired deflection with less application of load. While CFRP demonstrated high stiffness, its minimal flexibility limited its effectiveness for actuation of the structure.

Keywords: Morphing wings, computational fluid dynamics, ABS, CFRP, PLA.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

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How to cite this article:
Prathik Jain S, Sundarmahalingham A, Sudhagara Rajan S, Abhishek J, Harshith G Hagalwadi, Sanath S, Tejas S M. Modelling and Analysis of Morphing Wing Structure for Variable Camber. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):209-224.
How to cite this URL:
Prathik Jain S, Sundarmahalingham A, Sudhagara Rajan S, Abhishek J, Harshith G Hagalwadi, Sanath S, Tejas S M. Modelling and Analysis of Morphing Wing Structure for Variable Camber. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):209-224. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=215732


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 04
Received 22/01/2025
Accepted 06/05/2025
Published 23/05/2025
Publication Time 121 Days
Total Visits: 26


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