Shape memory alloy variable stiffness airfoil
An aerostructure is provided. The aerostructure may comprise an airfoil extending from a leading edge to a trailing edge, the airfoil comprising a stiffness and a camber, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) mechanically coupled to the airfoil via a resin, the SMA configured to be coupled to a current source, wherein at least one of the stiffness or the camber changes in response to a phase change of the SMA.
1. A variable stiffness aerostructure, comprising:
a shape memory alloy (SMA) electrically isolated from the variable stiffness aerostructure via a resin, the SMA configured to be coupled to a current source, wherein the SMA increases a stiffness of the variable stiffness aerostructure in response to an increase in a current being supplied from the current source.
2. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the variable stiffness aerostructure comprises an airfoil extending from a leading edge to a trailing edge and extending from a root to a tip.
3. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 2 , wherein the SMA extends from a first corner defined by a first intersection of the leading edge and the tip to a second corner defined by the intersection of the trailing edge and the root.
4. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 2 , wherein the SMA extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge.
5. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the SMA comprises an outer surface defining at least a portion of the variable stiffness aerostructure.
6. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the SMA comprises at least one of a wire or a sheet extending through an inner portion of the variable stiffness aerostructure.
7. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the SMA changes a geometry of the variable stiffness aerostructure in response to an increase in the current being supplied from the current source.
8. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor embedded in the variable stiffness aerostructure, the current being controllable based on a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
9. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the current is controllable based on a resistance of the SMA.
10. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the increase in the current is configured to change a modulus of the variable stiffness aerostructure.
11. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the resin comprises an epoxy.
12. The variable stiffness aerostructure of claim 1 , wherein the SMA is mechanically locked between a first composite fabric sheet and a second composite fabric sheet via the resin.