Combined Size and Shape Optimization of Structures with DOE,RSM and GA

In this paper,size and shape optimization problem of a machine gun system is addressed with an efficient hybrid method,in which a novel and flexible mesh morphing technique is employed to achieve fast parameterization and modification of complexity structure without going back to CAD for reconstruction of geometric models or to finite element analysis（ FEA） for remodeling. Design of experiments（ DOE） and response surface method（ RSM） are applied to approximate the constitutive parameters of a machine gun system based on experimental tests. Further FEA,secondary development technique and genetic algorithm（ GA） are introduced to find all the optimal solutions in one go and the optimal design of the demonstrated machine gun system is obtained. Results of the rigid-flexible coupling dynamic analysis and exterior ballistics calculation validate the proposed methodology,which is relatively time-saving,reliable and has the potential to solve similar problems.

Integrated optimization design of smart morphing wing for accurate shape control

Smart morphing wing, which is equipped with smart materials and able to change structural geometry adaptively, can further improve aerodynamic efficiency of aircraft. This paper presents a new integrated layout and topology optimization design for morphing wing driven by shape memory alloys(SMAs). By simultaneously optimizing the layout of smart actuators and topology of wing substrate, the ultimately determined configuration can achieve smooth, continuous and accurate geometric shape changes. In addition, aerodynamic analysis is carried out to compare smart morphing wing with traditional hinged airfoil. Finally, the optimized smart wing structure is constructed and tested to demonstrate and verify the morphing functionality. Application setbacks are also pointed out for further investigation.

A review of control strategies used for morphing aircraft applications

This paper reviews the various control algorithms and strategies used for fixed-wing morphing aircraft applications. It is evident from the literature that the development of control algorithms for morphing aircraft technologies focused on three main areas. The first area is related to precise control of the shape of morphing concepts for various flight conditions. The second area is mainly related to the flight dynamics, stability, and control aspects of morphing aircraft. The third area deals mainly with aeroelastic control using morphing concepts either for load alleviation purposes and/or to control the instability boundaries. The design of controllers for morphing aircraft/wings is very challenging due to the large changes that can occur in the structural, aerodynamic, and inertial characteristics. In addition, the type of actuation system and actuation rate/speed can have a significant effect on the design of such controllers. The aerospace community is in strong need of such a critical review especially as morphing aircraft technologies move from fundamental research at a low Technology Readiness Level(TRL) to real-life applications. This critical review aims to identify research gaps and propose future directions. In this paper, research activities/papers are categorized according to the control strategy used. This ranges from simple Proportional Integral Derivative(PID) controllers at one end to complex robust adaptive controllers and deep learning algorithms at the other end. This includes analytical, computational, and experimental studies. In addition, the various dynamic models used and their fidelities are highlighted and discussed.

Morphable three-dimensional electronic mesofliers capable of on-demand unfolding

Development of miniaturized three-dimensional(3 D)fliers with integrated functional components has important implications to a diverse range of engineering areas.Among the various active and passive miniaturized 3 D fliers reported previously,a class of 3 D electronic fliers inspired by wind-dispersed seeds show promising potentials,owing to the lightweight and noiseless features,aside from the stable rotational fall associated with a low falling velocity.While on-demand shape-morphing capabilities are essential for those 3 D electronic fliers,the realization of such miniaturized systems remains very challenging,due to the lack of fast-response 3 D actuators that can be seamlessly integrated with 3 D electronic fliers.Here we develop a type of morphable3 D mesofliers with shape memory polymer(SMP)-based electrothermal actuators,capable of large degree of actuation deformations,with a fast response(e.g.,~1 s).Integration of functional components,including sensors,controllers,and chip batteries,enables development of intelligent 3 D mesoflier systems that can achieve the on-demand unfolding,triggered by the processing of real-time sensed information(e.g.,acceleration and humidity data).Such intelligent electronic mesofliers are capable of both the low-air-drag rising and the low-velocity falling,and thereby,can be used to measure the humidity fields in a wide 3 D space by simple hand throwing,according to our demonstrations.The developed electronic mesofliers can also be integrated with other types of physical/chemical sensors for uses in different application scenarios.

Rapid fabrication of reconfigurable helical microswimmers with environmentally adaptive locomotion

Artificial helical microswimmers with shape-morphing capacities and adaptive locomotion have great potential for precision medicine and noninvasive surgery.However,current reconfigurable helical microswimmers are hampered by their low-throughput fabrication and limited adaptive locomotion.Here,a rotary holographic processing strategy(a helical femtosecond laser beam)is proposed to produce stimuli-responsive helical microswimmers(<100μm)rapidly(<1 s).This method allows for the easy one-step fabrication of various microswimmers with controllable sizes and diverse bioinspired morphologies,including spirulina-,Escherichia-,sperm-,and Trypanosoma-like shapes.Owing to their shape-morphing capability,the helical microswimmers undergo a dynamic transition between tumbling and corkscrewing motions under a constant rotating magnetic field.By exploiting adaptive locomotion,helical microswimmers can navigate complex terrain and achieve targeted drug delivery.Hence,these microswimmers hold considerable promise for diverse precision treatments and biomedical applications.