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Aerodynamically-Actuated Radical Shape-Change ConceptAerodynamically-actuated radical shape change (AARSC) is a novel concept that enables flight vehicles to conduct a mission profile containing radically different flight regimes while possibly mitigating the typical penalties incurred by radical geometric change. Weight penalties are mitigated by utilizing a primary flight control to generate aerodynamic loads that then drive a shape-change actuation. The flight mission profile used to analyze the AARSC concept is that of a transport aircraft that cruises at a lower altitude than typical transports. Based upon a preliminary analysis, substantial fuel savings are realized for mission ranges below 2000 NM by comparison to a state-of-the-art baseline, with an increasing impact as mission range is reduced. The predicted savings are so significant at short-haul ranges that the shape-change concept rivals the fuel-burn performance of turboprop aircraft while completing missions in less time than typical jet aircraft. Lower-altitude cruise has also been sought after in recent years for environmental benefits, however, the performance penalty to conventional aircraft was prohibitive. AARSC may enable the opportunity to realize the environmental benefits of lower-altitude emissions coupled with mission fuel savings. The findings of this study also reveal that the AARSC concept appears to be controllable, turbulence susceptibility is likely not an issue, and the shape change concept appears to be mechanically and aerodynamically feasible.
Document ID
20170005875
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ivanco, Thomas G. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Ivanco, Marie L. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Ancel, Ersin (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Grubb, Amanda L. (Georgia Inst. of Tech. Atlanta, GA, United States)
Prasad, Supranamaaya (York High School Yorktown, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
June 29, 2017
Publication Date
June 5, 2017
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-25725
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference (AVIATION 2017)
Location: Denver, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: June 5, 2017
End Date: June 9, 2017
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 295670.01.07
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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