Dr. Anilkumar Parapparambil Muraleedharan Nair investigated a new approach to controlling morphing wing structures using piezoelectric actuators in composite laminates. So far, most work has considered the possibility of triggering snap-through using large-scale piezoelectric macro-fibre composite actuators (MFCs) attached to the centre of the bistable laminate. However, bonding large MFCs in the centre of the plate flattens the central portion of the laminate, which can cause a loss of bistability.
Dr Nair’s study presents an alternative approach in which smaller MFCs are attached over the entire surface of the laminate, and the resulting stable shapes and change in snap-through voltages are analysed. The results of the proposed semi-analytical model were successfully verified with a corresponding finite element model.
In recognition, Dr Nair’s journal article was awarded this year’s Hermann Blenk Research Prize for the best journal publication, accompanied by a cash prize of 5,000 euros.
In memory of the outstanding achievements of the Braunschweig scientists Hermann Blenk and Karl Doetsch, the German Aeronautics Research Centre Niedersachsen (NFL) promotes innovations for a successful future in the aerospace industry by awarding its annual research and young talent prizes.
(Source: Presseinformation der TU Braunschweig)
