Actuation and control of a novel wing flap architecture with bi-modal camber morphing capabilities

Modern aerospace research programs are increasingly oriented towards adaptive wing structures for greening the air transport in the near future. New structural concepts implementing and integrating innovative technologies are mandatory for succeeding in this critical task. Among these, the so-called morphing structures are taken into account in aerospace applications, since they ensure the structural shape control in order to optimize the aerodynamic efficiency during the different flight phases. Among the most ambitious research projects launched in Europe, the JTI - Green Regional Aircraft (GRA) is placed in foreground for the design and the demonstration of a true-scale morphing flap applicable to the Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) wing of a 130-seats reference aircraft belonging to EASA CS25 category. In this framework, the authors intensively worked on the definition of a specific actuation and control system layout properly enabling two flap operational modes: overall camber morphing in deployed configuration, during take-off and landing, to enhance high lift performances; upwards and downwards deflection of the flap trailing edge (nearly the 10% of the local chord) in stowed configuration, to improve wing aerodynamic efficiency in cruise. For this purpose, a digital logic control law was opportunely implemented into controller devices by using LTI DriveManager® software. Obtained results have been presented in terms of controlled morphed shapes, showing an excellent correlation with respect to the target geometries imposed by design requirements.