Application of a magnetorheological elastomer in an aviation structure

Magnetorheological elastomers have properties that can be altered by magnetic field. Many materials were invented more than 30 years ago, but their development and improvement over the past three decades has led to new, more varied uses of these adaptable materials. The main goal of the paper is to present and investigate the application of a magnetorheological elastomer in an aviation structure. The potential advantage of this solution is a possibility to adjust the shape of the wing during the flight by altering the magnetic field strength, which in turn causes deflection of a magnetorheological elastomer. For the purpose of the investigations, an E214 aerofoil has been selected. The original, carbon composite model set a reference value of both lift and drag coefficient for an E214 profile. A thin layer of magnetorheological elastomer was placed on the upper side of the reversed wing. In order to fully understand the effect of such structural change on an aerial profile, the new research stand was designed and manufactured for the purpose of this research in the Institute of Aviation. Experiments were conducted due to evaluate the influence of magnetorheological elastomer on the overall performance. Results of investigations were presented and discussed.