Application of shape memory alloys in Aerospace industries

Mohammad Tanhaei

Sahand University of

Technology (SUT)

Iran - Tabriz

VGC (Variable Geometry Chevron)

VAFN (Variable Area Fan Nozzles)

Actuators :

Telescopic wing system

Servo valve

Retractable landing gear

Reconfigurable Rotor Blade (RRB)

VAFN ( Variable Area Fan Nozzle )

Significant reduction in noise and improved fuel consumption

The nozzle : is the exhaust duct

of the engine. This is the engine

part which actually produces the thrust for the plane.

VAFN ( Variable Area Fan Nozzle )

Larger diameter at take off can reduce jet velocity reducing noise

Adjusting the diameter in cruise reduce fuel consumption

Boeing tested VAFN capable of 20% area change

SMA actuators were used to position 12 panels at the nozzle exit

Cruise

Thrust

Nozzle Design

SMA actuators designed to

expand the nozzle when

heated, are attached to half of

the panels.

A support is attached to a

nozzle

Panels is attached to a support

ring by a small piece of thin steel

Actuator base is attached to

support ring

Nozzle Design

A small resistive heater is bonded on the surface of each actuator

SMA

60%Ni 40%Ti

Transition Temp: -55 to 70

Recoverable strain : up to 2.5 %

1000s of actuator

cycles

VGC (Variable Geometry Chevron)

What is chevrons ?

that are used for noise reduction. Their principle of operation is that, as hot

air from the engine core mixes with cooler air blowing through the engine

fan, the shaped edges serve to smooth the mixing, which reduces noise

creating turbulence .

VGC (Variable Geometry Chevron)

VGC (Variable Geometry Chevron)

VGC (Variable Geometry Chevron)

Static and Flight engine test

6 flights over 5 days with 3 engine

configurations3 days of testing June 2006

Telescopic wing system

A BStructure

Outer wing

segment

Slot

Inner wing

segment

Telescopic wing system

Coiled SMA actuator

Flexible

tube

fluid

Outer wing segment

Thanks for your Attention

Sahand University of

Technology (SUT)

Iran - Tabriz

Jet engine (Turbo jet)