Whirl Tower Demonstration of an SMA Blade Twist System

This paper focuses on the development and demonstration of a novel blade morphing system within whirl tower facility. The scope is to investigate behavior proposed architecture under representative loads, demonstrating its capability alter original shape in operation centrifugal, aerodynamic, internal forces. concept was developed inside European project “Shape Adaptive Blades for Rotorcraft Efficiency”, SABRE, consists memory alloy able change twist law and, this way, enhance rotor performance at certain specific regimes, such as hover vertical flight. These phases, indeed, are generally penalized with respect other more extended flight regimes (cruise). work starts an overview research field morphing, reference researches envisaging rotary wing demonstrations. Then, provided, particular attention paid those features particularly suited test environment. laboratory characterization commissioning operations illustrated. task installation prototype facility described together testing modality adopted. Finally, results campaign illustrated critically discussed, providing reader insights possible future steps be taken further research. impact following different parameters investigated: number segments switched on, speed thus centrifugal actions, angles attack. stiffening effect due actions quantified through measurement actual deformation. link between speed, angle attack root, flap also tracked, building database useful comprehension phenomenon, assessment numerical predictive models. achieved highlighted produce matching target 8° per radius; figure related potential power saving 10% improvement about 1% over-all efficiency rotorcraft.