Wing Morphing - Is it Viable or Just a Pipedream?

Anybody who has been interested in Science fiction has envisioned a perfectly adaptable vehicle that morphs to its situations. It is usually achieved by using a vague lazy cop-out like “nanotech”. Well, something along these lines has seemingly broken from the realm of Science fiction, this the reality of aircraft wing morphing. It is a revolutionary technology that allows wings to change their geometry in response to flight conditions. From improving fuel efficiency to enabling agile manoeuvres, morphing wings are going to change the world of aviation! In this article, we will explore what wing morphing is, how it works, its benefits, challenges and its potential to reshape how man flies the skies. What aircraft wing morphing looks like is the ability of an aircraft’s wings to dynamically adjust their shape, curvature and/or orientation during flight. Traditional fixed-wing designs are suited in static and limited configurations. This is through the use of flap settings to be manually adapted for conditions, such as cruising or takeoff. Morphing wings adapt in real-time to constantly optimise performance across diverse flight phases. We are less than subtly copying nature’s homework as behaviour like this is seen in multi jointed wings of birds, able to adapt to whatever is needed in flight, adjusting their wings for efficiency, control and agility. Beyond being a fancy new thing to excite investors, aerospace engineers hope that morphing wings can overcome the limitations of rigid wings, which often are forced compromise between speed, stability and fuel economy. How does it work?

Morphing wings use a combination or an array of actuators and cutting edge materials. They use highly flexible although they are very durable materials, so wings may extend, retract, orient and twist without just falling off the plane. Smart materials, such as the shape memory, alloy Nitinol changes shape when heated, enabling subtle yet highly controlled adjustments in wingtips or flaps. While Piezoelectric materials (materials that produce electric currents when put under stress) and electroactive polymers are precise and lightweight deformation for flexible wing surfaces. Combine this with hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuators to create larger morphing movements and you have most of your bases covered. In addition, if you integrate this with a complex set of real-time sensors and a smooth “skin” to maintain aerodynamic integrity, we have what must be the most complicated airfoil ever conceived. That is, a simple lightweight model, utilising flexible foam and nylon.

a simple lightweight model, utilising flexible foam and nylon

Wing morphing promises all sorts of benefits from fuel efficiency. In saying that, we have yet to master its increased versatility and manoeuvrability. This would allow us to be more sustainable and less wasteful. It still proves a pricey, heavy and complex alternative to the tried and true long curve that we have been attaching to the sides of tubes for the better part of the past two decades.