Active Flexible Wing model mounted in the Langley TDT

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

09.23.2009

Courtesy Photo

NASA

The Active Flexible Wing (AFW) program was initially a joint U.S. Air Force, NASA and Rockwell International effort to demonstrate the AFW concept. The AFW concept involves achieving vehicle weight savings through advantageous use of a flexible wing surface via active control applications. Under this initial program, two wind-tunnel tests were completed in the Langley TDT. A second AFW model program was undertaken by NASA and Rockwell Inter-national with the goal of demonstrating aeroelastic control through the use of digital active control technology. The multiple-exposure photograph shows the AFW model at several pitch positions during a TDT entry under this follow-on program. Key accomplishments of this second program included single and multiple- mode flutter suppression, load alleviation and load control during rapid roll maneuvers, and multi-input/multi-output multiple function active controls tests above the open loop flutter boundary.

NASA Identifier: L91-2130

• Date Taken: 09.23.2009
• Date Posted: 10.10.2012 16:30
• Photo ID: 708845
• Resolution: 1536x1348
• Size: 295.44 KB
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US