SBIR-STTR Award

Integrated Intelligent Structures For Suppressing Static Aerothermoelastic Deformations And Flutter Of Panels
Award last edited on: 9/12/2002

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$520,000
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AF93-015
Principal Investigator
Li-Chuan Chu

Company Information

C & C Technologies Inc

1209 Botetourt Gardens
Norfolk, VA 23517
   (804) 622-3838
   N/A
   N/A
Location: Single
Congr. District: 03
County: Norfolk city

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
1993
Phase I Amount
$50,000
The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a commercial package of methodology, information, and criteria, along with documented computer programs, designing integrated intelligent panel structures to meet static aerothermoelastic deformations and flutter requirements. To accomplish this we propose to build upon the extensive experience and accomplishments of the proposed participants in Phase I. We will investigate the properties and behaviors of integrated intelligent structures consisting of advanced composite laminates, embedded shape-memory alloys (SMA) and piezoelectric laminates, and an optimal control system. Innovative concepts discussed in this proposal will be implemented and examined. Phase I activities include: (1) modeling and prediction of stability and deformations at high Mach numbers and temperatures; (2) design and analysis of optimal SMA, piezoelectric sensor and actuator configurations; (3) design and development of static and dynamic control algorithms; (4) investigation of the interactions between supersonic aerodynamics, thermal effects, dynamic control systems, intelligent material and the non-linear response of laminated composite panels; (5) examination of weight trade-off between active (piezoelectric) and passive (SMA) materials; (6) investigation of the reliability and fail-safe design. Experimental validations will be accomplished in Phase II.

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
1994
Phase II Amount
$470,000
The ultimate goal of this project si to develop a commercial package of methodology, information, and criteria, along with fully documented computer programs for the analysis, design and optimization of integrated smart panels for suppression of structural deformations and penal flutter to meet specified static aerothermoelastic and flutter requirements. The integrated smart panel consists of advanced composite laminates, embedded piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloy, and an integrated control system. The purpose of Phase II is mainly experimental validation of the innovative concepts studied in Phase I. The specific problems to be investigated in Phase II are: (1) Electric-mechanical coupling effect of piezoelectric material, i.e., self-sensing performance; (2) weight of piezoelectric actuators and shape memory alloy (SMA) compared to weight of added panel structural material required for the same increase in flutter critical dynamic pressure; (3) power requirement of piezoelectric actuators and the weight of the power equipment which is required for activating the piezoelectric material; (4) thermal effect of SMA materials. Phase II activities include: (1) design of test panels and fixtures; (2) controller development; (3) laboratory tests; (4) wind tunnel tests. The commercial package will be accomplished in Phase III.