Feasibility Investigation of Attitude Control with Shape Memory Alloy Actuator on a Tethered Wing

Yufei Zhu (), Ryohei Tsuruta, Rikin Gupta and Taewoo Nam
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Yufei Zhu: Future Mobility Research Department, Toyota Research Institute North America, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Ryohei Tsuruta: Frontier Research Center, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota 471-8571, Aichi, Japan
Rikin Gupta: Future Mobility Research Department, Toyota Research Institute North America, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Taewoo Nam: Future Mobility Research Department, Toyota Research Institute North America, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-24

Abstract: This study is aimed at assessing the feasibility of employing an innovative, smart-material-based control effector for an inflatable wing. A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator is primarily investigated as a control effector in this work for its advantages of a simple actuation mechanism and a high force-to-weight ratio. This paper presents the design, control strategy and simulation results of the SMA actuator used as a stability augmentation system for a small-scale prototype kite. Stable flight of the kite is achieved during open wind tunnel tests using the SMA actuator. Based on experimental and simulation analyses, it is evident that the current SMA actuator is better for low-frequency actuations rather than stability augmentation purposes, as its performance is sensitive to practical conditions. The study also discusses potential improvements and applications of the SMA actuator.

Keywords: shape memory alloy; flight control; airborne wind energy harvesting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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