for aeronautical configurations – duration 36 months- started 1st May 2017
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Aerodynamic performance increase and major outcome of the disruptive wing design achieved by the SMS project is the fact that by applying in the Large-Scale SMS prototype the hybrid electroactive morphing simultaneously associating the cambering of the high-lift flap and the higher-frequency vibrations as well as a slight deformation of the near trailing edge region thanks to adapted piezoactuators, allows a drag reduction of 5 %. Hence the usual increase of drag occurring by only cambering the high-lift flap or by only bringing out the conventional high-lift flap, is completely overcame thanks to the SMS. Furthermore, the lift-to-drag ratio benefit is of 5,12%. The obtained new design surpasses every known design in the state of the art. These benefits produce a considerable reduction in fuel consumption of order 2% and increase the maneuverability capacity, yielding higher safety. Therefore, the SMS project has a high impact in the greening of aircraft transport and of safety increase, together with a high economical impact in respect of fuel consumption reduction.