Feasibility study on piezoelectric actuated automotive morphing wing

Active aerodynamics is a promising technology to improve vehicle performance and efficiency, but so far in the automotive field the actuation methods suffer with several drawbacks that jeopardize its functioning and broad implementation. Morphing wings represent a technology already studied for aerospace applications that could help overcoming some of those issues. This paper proposes a piezoelectric transducer actuation for a composite material automotive wing and seeks to validate it through virtual models and physical tests. Experimental validation with a 3D-printed simplified wing profile confirms the feasibility of the technology and helps determining the best position for the piezo actuator. Furthermore, a FEM model is presented, where the piezo effect is simulated through a thermal analogy. An optimization of the composite stacking sequence is performed to maximize the trailing edge displacements, and its results are compared with the deflection caused by aerodynamic loads observed in the wing. The displacement of the trailing edge is in the order of tenths of a millimeter, even though further investigations are necessary to improve overall impact of the solution the preliminary results are promising.