DescriptionMulti-rotor vehicles use complex mechanisms and/or mechanical components and varying rotor speeds to attain stability, control, and maneuverability. This research proposes that the thrust generated by a rotor can be varied by morphing its blades without the use of mechanisms, and without varying the rotor speed. This method is faster to change thrust and it requires fewer mechanical components. This mechanism-free concept is referred to as the Solid-State Rotor in the literature. The concept employs morphing blades with strain-inducing actuators such as the Macro-Fiber Composite device. This concept can be applied to various aerial vehicles such as single/multi-rotor vehicles, ducted fans, turbines, and other rotary systems interacting with a fluid.
The overall goal of this research is to understand and analyze the concept of shape morphing using piezocomposite actuators. To this end, a solid-state rotor system is used, which contains rotating electronics required to power the actuators. The electronics are powered by an electromagnetic generator that is attached to the rotor. The excitation of the piezocomposite actuators on the rotor blades changes the camber of the rotor blades which leads to the change in thrust.
In this thesis, first the theoretical models are examined to predict the aerodynamic performance of variable camber piezocomposite rotors. Next, a variable camber piezocomposite rotor is designed and experimentally tested. Finally, a variable-camber variable-pitch piezocomposite hybrid rotor is designed and experimentally tested.