Shape Adaptivity

The efficiency of structures can be improved by carefully controlling the deflected shape under load. The use of composite materials in shape adaptive structures offers unique possibilities by harnessing the extension-twist and bend-twist coupling properties of unsymmetrical or hybrid laminates.

ACS Australia personnel were involved in the development of optimisation routines to permit the design of shape adaptive structures. The development of coupled structural/hydrodynamic optimisation methods was a critical component of this project. This concept was demonstrated in the design, manufacture and test of a composite hydrofoil, where shape adaptivity improved the efficiency across the operational envelope.

This technology has the potential to be applied to a range of structural applications including marine propellers, aircraft propellers, wind turbine blades, aircraft wings and control surfaces.