Dynamic Shape Control of a Morphing Airfoil Using Spatially Distributed Transducers

A space/time transform parameterization is used to model the upper profile section of a morphing airfoil. The parameterization allows for the quantification of morphing spatial performance in terms of a spatial bandwidth. Airfoil morphing from one shape to another allows the system to use minimal energy during the process. A multivariable response matrix is then formulated for the distributed parameter system, and standard control synthesis tools are applied to achieve a robust dynamic shape controller. The space/time parameterization results in a spatially decoupled system with Fourier coefficients as inputs and orthogonal basis shapes as outputs. A proof-of-concept simulation, which demonstrates the efficacy of a dynamically commanded airfoil profile, is presented.