SMART VORTEX GENERATOR USING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY

摘要

A new vortex generator (VG) concept is proposed, where VGs are effective during takeoff and landing and stowed during cruise by utilizing a function of shape memory alloys (SMAs) and difference in temperature between a cruise altitude and a ground. This new VG is named Smart Vortex Generator (SVG). Numerical simulation using a simplified mathematical model of SVG indicates that temperature of SVG can follow an ambient temperature change during descending/ ascending and SVG can change its shape between a stowed position and a vortex-generating position. Moreover, a conceptual demonstration model of SVG is made of SMA ribbons and ribbon springs. This demonstration model verifies that SVG can be practically transformed between the two positions by cooling and heating.