Mechanically Adaptive Materials for Morphing Aircraft Skins

The main goal of the proposed research is to develop a material with a high modulus ratio (Ez / Ex = 105 ) by the end of Phase II. This material is ideally suited for use in morphing aircraft that require large shear strains of the skin, while limiting out-of-plane pillowing at the same time. The major effort during the beginning of the program will be to characterize Shape Memory and Electroactive Polymers to match glass transition temperatures above the operating range of the material. The two polymers will be combined and used to provide stiffness when cool and to actuate the material at elevated temperatures to allow large strains. The results of the characterization will also be used to ensure accurate material models, with further efforts going towards developing a composite model of the two materials. Phase II work will increase the modulus ratio as well as design and fabricate larger skin specimens to be tested in flight conditions. NextGen Aeronautics is a highly effective company engaged in transferring research into aerospace and munitions platform technologies. NextGen will be assisted by PSU, having done significant work with both kinds of polymers that will be used in this program.