3D-Printed Compliant Joints for Morphing Wings

Project Type
Research Project

Role
Student Research Intern

Technologies
SolidWorks (CAD), ANSYS (FEA), MATLAB, Additive Manufacturing

Duration
Aug 2024 - Present

I am currently developing compliant joints for morphing wings using 3D printing technologies as part of my research internship at the Metamaterials and Lightweight Structures LAB. The project aims to create flexible mechanisms that optimize the aerodynamic performance of flight control surfaces by allowing seamless shape changes. 

My responsibilities involve developing MATLAB applications to determine the optimal surface area for the control surfaces, conducting a systematic literature review on morphing wing technologies, and designing modular structures with compliant mechanisms to adjust control surface angles. 

Experimental testing is being conducted to validate the designs, with comparisons to finite element method (FEM) simulations to ensure structural integrity and performance. This research seeks to enhance wing flexibility and improve overall flight efficiency.