Can a Variable-Geometry Wing Design Improve Aerodynamics?

As a tight economy pushes everyone to slash budgets, researchers at Ryerson look to modular, “morphing” aircraft wings as one way to alleviate the rising costs of air travel.

Due to a growing global dependence on air travel (set to double by 2032), the ability to reduce drag on aircraft wings has grown increasingly important in recent years. Less air resistance leads to decreased fuel consumption and substantial savings over time. Less fuel consumption also produces less air pollution and reduces the impact on climate and human health.

To tackle this problem, researchers at Ryerson University designed a prototype modular aircraft wing with the ability to transform its shape using real-time flight data. “A fixed wing geometry is not effective at reducing drag,” says team leader Fengfeng Xi, who believes that a “morphing” wing can provide more optimal aerodynamics.

The variable-geometry design consists of several movable panels, each composed of lightweight material mounted on supportive beams. A system monitors the flight conditions and provides feedback to the wing’s modules, which then adapt to the most aerodynamically effective configuration.

A prototype of the design has already been tested in the lab, and the next step is a large-scale wind tunnel experiment.

Whatever the result of the initial prototype, the modular wing is an inspiring innovation that shifts the emphasis away from a static design and towards a solution tailored for the unique conditions of every flight.