This paper focuses on the modelling and design of an adaptive vortex generator (AVG). The device is actuated through shape memory alloy (SMA) elements. The interest of the research community in these devices is due to their ability to improve the performance of the aircraft, directly altering and controlling the boundary layer. Their action consists in energizing the flow, thereby hindering separation. The peculiarity of the presented AVG architecture lies in its compactness and adaptability that allows its activation just for some specific phases where conventional design no longer leads to benefits. It can enable load alleviation in the cruise phase when a gust occurs (spoiler modality) and stall prevention in high-lift conditions (vane modality). These two working capabilities can be obtained by mounting the AVGs at different angles of incidence with respect to the direction of the fluid flow. The present paper is structured as follows. First, the project of RADAR, hosting the activities, is presented with specific focus on the main objectives and on the strategy of maturation of the technologies, foreseeing a final demonstration in wind tunnel test facility. Then attention is paid to the simulations showing the effect of the AVGs on the on the aerodynamic field. These outcomes have driven the next part of the work, focusing on the identification of the AVG architecture and its size. A dedicated finite element modeling approach was implemented to face the design task, also capable of catching the nonlinear features of the SMA active spring elements. Three main operational phases were simulated: 1) the stretching of the springs up to their connection to the architecture; 2) the elastic recovery of the springs and the equilibrium with the architecture; 3) the activation of the springs through heating. The simulations proved the capability of the system to produce the required deflection/deployment even under the most severe load conditions, without any loss of structural integrity. Moreover, the normal mode analysis, addressed in presence of pre-load, did not reveal any potential coupling with the characteristic vortex shedding frequency.
Design and Modelling of a SMA Vortex Generator Architecture to Address Flow Control
Francesco Caputo
2026
Abstract
This paper focuses on the modelling and design of an adaptive vortex generator (AVG). The device is actuated through shape memory alloy (SMA) elements. The interest of the research community in these devices is due to their ability to improve the performance of the aircraft, directly altering and controlling the boundary layer. Their action consists in energizing the flow, thereby hindering separation. The peculiarity of the presented AVG architecture lies in its compactness and adaptability that allows its activation just for some specific phases where conventional design no longer leads to benefits. It can enable load alleviation in the cruise phase when a gust occurs (spoiler modality) and stall prevention in high-lift conditions (vane modality). These two working capabilities can be obtained by mounting the AVGs at different angles of incidence with respect to the direction of the fluid flow. The present paper is structured as follows. First, the project of RADAR, hosting the activities, is presented with specific focus on the main objectives and on the strategy of maturation of the technologies, foreseeing a final demonstration in wind tunnel test facility. Then attention is paid to the simulations showing the effect of the AVGs on the on the aerodynamic field. These outcomes have driven the next part of the work, focusing on the identification of the AVG architecture and its size. A dedicated finite element modeling approach was implemented to face the design task, also capable of catching the nonlinear features of the SMA active spring elements. Three main operational phases were simulated: 1) the stretching of the springs up to their connection to the architecture; 2) the elastic recovery of the springs and the equilibrium with the architecture; 3) the activation of the springs through heating. The simulations proved the capability of the system to produce the required deflection/deployment even under the most severe load conditions, without any loss of structural integrity. Moreover, the normal mode analysis, addressed in presence of pre-load, did not reveal any potential coupling with the characteristic vortex shedding frequency.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
