Deployable morphing structure based on shape memory polymer

This study aims to propose a new kind of deployable morphing structure based on shape memory polymer (SMP), which can overcome the drawbacks of traditional deployable morphing structures, such as unavoidable system impact, unsatisfied deformation accuracy and complex mechanical masses.

In this study, although the deployment of the morphing structure was still driven by the specially designed mechanical structures, the application of SMP material realized a steady and accurate deploying process. Besides, SMP material was also utilized as the wing’s filler. During its shape recovery process, the internal SMP filler helps to form an aerofoil for the wing to sustain the surface aerodynamic loads.

Primary experiments were also completed to demonstrate the feasibility and the controllability of the designed deployable morphing structure, including the deploying velocity of the SMP filler and morphing structure. Finally, the wing’s deformation under the air loads was also analyzed by using the finite element method to validate the structural stability.

This paper shows a new approach to design a deployable morphing structure based on the SMP material.