NASA uses shape memory alloy to create a new type of foldable wing
志联
2025-04-26
According to foreign media reports, NASA considers foldable wings a key aerospace technology for future spaceflight. To achieve this goal, the space agency has begun searching for an advanced, lightweight shape-memory alloy. A suitable option has recently emerged: a new alloy developed by the Spanwise Adaptive Wing project that allows wings to control their surfaces and change shape without the need for heavy hydraulic systems.
Aircraft wings have a long history of development, evolving from early spruce wood and canvas to increasingly complex materials. While significant technological updates have been made, their efficiency remains somewhat limited. If wings could become more "rubber-like," capable of assuming multiple shapes, they could adapt to a wider range of flight conditions.
In fact, this idea has been around for a while, but the problem is that the hydraulic systems required for foldable wings are too heavy and energy-intensive, outweighing their advantages. To address this, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center, Langley Research Center, Boeing Research & Technology, and Area-I Inc. jointly developed an actuator to replace existing hydraulics and engines, reducing weight by 80% and operating via shape-memory alloy.
Recently, NASA conducted a series of flight tests at Rogers Dry Lake in Edwards Air Force Base, California. During the tests, they used a remotely controlled prototype technology assessment research aircraft (PTERA). Reportedly, the PTERA's wings can fold from 0 to 70 degrees during flight. In addition to carbon composite materials, the drone uses numerous telemetry devices and sensors.
Typically, shape-memory alloys are deformed by heating. In the tests, heating tubes on the wings caused the outermost sections to bend upward or downward.
Jim Mabe, a technician from Boeing Research & Technology, stated that the new alloy jointly developed with NASA performed exceptionally well, demonstrating stability from initial testing to flight tests and surpassing previous materials.
According to NASA, foldable wings will one day be lighter, simpler, more slender, more stable, and more fuel-efficient. Additionally, they will make supersonic flight easier.
Previous:
Related News
Hotline:
Contact Email:
Address:
Building 19, Liandong U Valley, Sanhe Subdistrict, Huiyang District, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, China
Follow WeChat
Add WeChat
Power by:www.300.cn | Tag | Privacy Policy | City List