The RADAR project (ContRollo Attivo Del flusso AeRdinamico), funded by the PRORA program, aims to enhance the aerodynamic performance of short-to-medium range aircraft through active flow control, reducing both gas and noise emissions. This paper presents an Adaptive Vortex Generator based on Shape Memory Alloy actuators to prevent wingtip stall. The AVG consists of a 30×60 mm hinged plate, activated at low-speed flight phases (cruise and takeoff) by SMA wire contraction upon heating. An analytical model is developed to assess AVG behavior under aerodynamic loads, incorporating a torsional spring to mitigate vibrations. A parametric analysis examines key geometric and dynamic variables influencing AVG performance. The SMA material transitions between room temperature (stowed position) and 120°C (fully deployed). Results provide insights into optimizing AVG design for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. In the paper, a parametric optimization is carried out considering the variation of d, t, r and s to find the best combination in order to obtain maximum deflection of the AVG.
Analytical Optimization of an SMA Adaptive Vortex Generator
Caputo, Francesco;
2025
Abstract
The RADAR project (ContRollo Attivo Del flusso AeRdinamico), funded by the PRORA program, aims to enhance the aerodynamic performance of short-to-medium range aircraft through active flow control, reducing both gas and noise emissions. This paper presents an Adaptive Vortex Generator based on Shape Memory Alloy actuators to prevent wingtip stall. The AVG consists of a 30×60 mm hinged plate, activated at low-speed flight phases (cruise and takeoff) by SMA wire contraction upon heating. An analytical model is developed to assess AVG behavior under aerodynamic loads, incorporating a torsional spring to mitigate vibrations. A parametric analysis examines key geometric and dynamic variables influencing AVG performance. The SMA material transitions between room temperature (stowed position) and 120°C (fully deployed). Results provide insights into optimizing AVG design for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. In the paper, a parametric optimization is carried out considering the variation of d, t, r and s to find the best combination in order to obtain maximum deflection of the AVG.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
