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Modeling, Fabrication, and Testing of a SMA Hybrid Composite Jet Engine Chevron Concept

NASA Langley Research Center, Structural Acoustics Branch, Hampton, VA 23681-2199, USA, t.l.turner{at}nasa.gov

Ralph D. Buehrle

NASA Langley Research Center, Structural Acoustics Branch, Hampton, VA 23681-2199, USA

Roberto J. Cano

NASA Langley Research Center, Advanced Materials and Processing Branch, Hampton, VA 23681-2199, USA

Gary A. Fleming

NASA Langley Research Center, Advanced Sensing and Optical Measurement Branch, Hampton, VA 23681-2199, USA

This study presents a fabrication method, bench top test results, and numerical model validation for a novel adaptive jet engine chevron concept based upon embedding shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators in a composite laminate, termed a SMA hybrid composite (SMAHC). The approach for fabricating the adaptive SMAHC chevrons involves embedding prestrained Nitinol actuators on one side of the mid-plane of the composite laminate such that thermal excitation generates a thermal moment and deflects the structure. A rigorous and versatile test system for control and measurement of the chevron deflection performance is described. A recently commercialized constitutive model for SMA and SMAHC materials is used in the finite element code ABAQUS to perform nonlinear static analysis of the chevron specimens. Excellent agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured chevron deflection performance, thereby validating the numerical model and enabling detailed design of chevron prototype(s) and similar structures.

Key Words: shape memory alloys • Nitinol • embedded actuators • jet engine chevrons • adaptive chevrons • shape control • deflection control • jet noise control

Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, Vol. 17, No. 6, 483-497 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1045389X06058795


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