Functional flexibility: The potential of morphing composites
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Jones, Mitchell P
Murali, Gokul G
Laurin, Frederic
Robinson, Paul
Bismarck, Alexander
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
From plants tracking the sun to the aerodynamics of bird wings, shape change is key to the performance of natural structures. After years of reliance on mechanical joints, human engineering now focuses on improving aerodynamic efficiency through smooth, full form changes in material geometry, achieved using technologies such as morphing composites. Promising improved power generation and efficiency in wind turbines and safer more sustainable aircraft and cars, these materials can achieve both large geometric changes with low energy requirements by cycling between several stable physical states and more gradual changes in geometry by exploiting coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch and structural anisotropy, shape memory polymers and 4D printing. The merits and limitations of these various shape change systems are the subject of extensive and ongoing academic research and both commercial and defence industry trials to improve the viability of these technologies for widespread adoption. Shape change capabilities are often associated with problems in material cost, mass, mechanical properties, manufacturability, and energy requirements. Nonetheless, the considerable and rapid advances in this technology, already resulting in successful trials in advanced civilian and military aircraft and high-performance cars, indicate that future research and development of this materials platform could revolutionise many of our most critical power generation, defence and transport systems.
Date Issued
2022-11-10
Date Acceptance
2022-10-14
Citation
Composites Science and Technology, 2022, 230 (Part 1), pp.1-12
ISSN
0266-3538
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
1
End Page
12
Journal / Book Title
Composites Science and Technology
Volume
230
Issue
Part 1
Copyright Statement
© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000880382000003&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=a2bf6146997ec60c407a63945d4e92bb
Subjects
Anisotropy
CARBON-FIBER
CORRUGATED SKINS
DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURES
Flexible composites
FLEXIBLE SKINS
Materials Science
Materials Science, Composites
MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES
Science & Technology
Shape memory behaviour
SHAPE-MEMORY POLYMER
Smart materials
SMART SOFT COMPOSITE
Technology
Thermomechanical properties
TUNABLE BENDING STIFFNESS
VARIABLE STIFFNESS MATERIALS
WIND TURBINE BLADE
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 109792
Date Publish Online
2022-10-18