Composite panels and system for active flow control on motor vehicles
A composite panel includes a matrix, actuator elements disposed within the matrix or secured to an exterior surface of the composite panel, a plurality of slits, and an electrical termination area coupled to the shape memory fibers/elements. The plurality of slits are arranged parallel to each other and extend through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel. A power supply is configured to apply a burst voltage to the shape memory fibers/elements to change a shape of the composite panel, thereby modifying an airflow extending across the composite panel during operation.
1 . A composite panel comprising:
a matrix;
shape memory fibers disposed within the matrix;
a plurality of slits extending through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel, the plurality of slits being open and exposed to an external surface of the composite panel and arranged parallel to each other; and
an electrical termination area coupled to the shape memory fibers.
2 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , further comprising structural fiber reinforcements disposed within the matrix.
3 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , wherein the matrix and shape memory fibers are arranged in a laminate configuration.
4 . The composite panel according to claim 3 , wherein a portion of the laminate configuration is balanced and symmetrical and another portion of the laminate configuration proximate the plurality of slits is unbalanced and asymmetrical.
5 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , wherein the composite panel defines a trapezoidal shape.
6 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slits extend through an entire thickness of the composite panel.
7 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one aerodynamic film layer disposed over the plurality of slits such that an outer moldline surface of the composite panel is continuous.
8 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , wherein the shape memory fibers are piezo electric.
9 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , further comprising a concentration of electrically conductive fibers disposed at a leading edge of the composite panel, the electrically conductive fibers coupled to the electrical termination area.
10 . The composite panel according to claim 1 , wherein the matrix and shape memory fibers are manufactured using an additive manufacturing process such that the composite panel defines an asymmetrical material layout.
11 . A system for active airflow control, the system comprising:
a power supply; and
a composite panel comprising:
a matrix;
structural fiber reinforcements disposed within the matrix;
shape memory fibers disposed within the matrix;
a plurality of slits extending through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel, the plurality of slits being open and exposed to an external surface of the composite panel and arranged parallel to each other; and
an electrical termination area coupled to the shape memory fibers and the power supply,
wherein the power supply is configured to apply a burst voltage to the composite panel and change a shape of the composite panel, thereby modifying an airflow extending across the composite panel during operation.
12 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 11 , wherein the composite panel defines a trapezoidal shape.
13 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 11 , wherein the shape memory fibers are piezo electric.
14 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 11 , wherein the matrix, structural fiber reinforcements, and shape memory fibers are arranged in a laminate configuration.
15 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 14 , wherein a portion of the laminate configuration is balanced and symmetrical and another portion of the laminate configuration proximate the plurality of slits is unbalanced and asymmetrical.
16 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 14 , wherein the matrix and structural fiber reinforcements are preimpregnated and the structural fiber reinforcements are continuous.
17 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 14 , further comprising:
a sensor to detect an operational characteristic of the airflow; and
a controller in communication with the sensor and configured to send signals to the power supply to apply the burst voltage.
18 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 17 , wherein the sensor is a speed sensor.
19 . A system for active airflow control, the system comprising:
a power supply; and
a composite panel comprising:
a matrix;
structural fiber reinforcements disposed within the matrix;
actuator elements secured to at least one exterior surface of the composite panel;
a plurality of slits extending through at least a portion of a thickness of the composite panel, the plurality of slits being open and exposed to an external surface of the composite panel and arranged parallel to each other; and
an electrical termination area coupled to the actuator elements and the power supply,
wherein the power supply is configured to apply a burst voltage to the actuator elements and change a shape of the composite panel, thereby modifying an airflow extending across the composite panel during operation.
20 . The system for active airflow control according to claim 19 , wherein the matrix and structural fiber reinforcements are arranged in a laminate configuration, and a portion of the laminate configuration is balanced and symmetrical and another portion of the laminate configuration proximate the plurality of slits is unbalanced and asymmetrical.