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Adaptive compliant trailing edge

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The new wing is being tested on a Gulfstream business jet aircraft by the US Air Force and NASA.

Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge (ACTE) is a shape changing flap for aircraft wings, intended to reduce an aircraft's fuel costs up to 12% and reduce noise by up to 40% during take-off and landing. Airborne tests have been conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 07 November 2014 in collaboration with the United States Air Force (USAF).

History

The ACTE was invented by Sridhar Kota, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. Kota initially submitted his designs for aircraft flexible wing about 20 years ago to U.S Air Force—that approved his design and assured the assistance. The concept was officially developed by FlexiSys Inc. a company founded by Kota in 2001, FlexiSys Inc. received US$ 40 million as a financial assistance from the US Air Force’s small business innovative research program, the concept was successfully tested on 07 November 2014 with the envolvement of NASA and U.S Air Force Research Laboratory.[1][2][3][4][5]

Consumption control

The Flexible flap or FlexFoil—(modern interpretation of wing warping) is a sub group of airfoil technology. It is efficient and more operational upgrade from hinged wing flaps—(which folds out from under the wing's leading edge), globally accepted by aircraft designers. FlexFoil features a jointless, elastic, and lightweight structure that, most importantly, optimizes control and performance of an aircraft’s wings. The seamless technology helps in fuel savings maximum up to 12% on a clean sheet build. The variable geometry wing helps reduce fuel consumption and load-alleviation. The enhanced control surface help reduce noise during takeoff and landing by up to 40%.[6]

Sridhar Kota

Kota is a former alumnus of Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. After completing a mechanical engineering Bachelors degree from Osmania University in 1980, Kota completed his Masters degree in Materials Engineering from University of Mississippi in 1982, Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Minnesota 1986 and he was awarded Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Minnesota in 1988.[1][2][3][5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Nikhila, Henry (6 December 2014). "Osmania University man's 'wing' takes aerodynamics to new heights". Times of India. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  2. ^ a b "NASA Tests Revolutionary Shape Changing Aircraft Flap for the First Time". NASA. 7 November 2014. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  3. ^ a b "NASA eyes revolutionary aircraft wing technology". Fox News. 10 November 2014. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  4. ^ "Sridhar Kota". University of Michigan. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  5. ^ a b Kota, Sridhar; Vein, Chris (30 April 2012). "Made In America: Helping Revitalize U.S. Manufacturing". White House. Retrieved 8 December 2014.
  6. ^ "Kota's FlexFoil Technology Gains Recognition". Retrieved 14 December 2014.