Smart wing wind tunnel model design

To verify the predicted benefits of the smart wing concept, two 16% scale wind tunnel models, one conventional and the other incorporating smart wing design features, were designed, fabricated and tested. Meticulous design of the two models was essential to: i) ensure the required factor of safety of four for operation in the NASA Langley TDT wind tunnel ii) efficiently integrate the smart actuation systems, iii) quantify the performance improvements, and iv) facilitate eventual scale-up to operational aircraft. Significant challenges were encountered in designing the attachment of the shape memory alloy (SMA) control surfaces to the wing box, integration of the SMA torque tube in the wing structure, and development of control mechanisms to protect the model and the tunnel in the event of failure of the smart systems.