AIRFOIL OR ROTOR BLADE HAVING A CONTINUOUS TRAILING EDGE FLAP

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention include various airfoils constructions, such as airfoils and rotor blades having a continuous trailing-edge flap. According to an embodiment, an airfoil is comprised of a load-bearing structure in the forward portion of the airfoil; a skin to maintain the airfoil shape; a tapered composite structure having one or more actuators extending from the load-bearing structure toward the trailing edge, and joining the skin in the vicinity of the trailing edge; and a core extending from the load-bearing structure connecting the tapered composite structure to the load-bearing structure. In this airfoil, the tapered composite structure tapers from being relatively thick near the core to being relatively thin near the trailing edge. And the one or more actuators are configured to deflect the trailing edge so as to deform the shape of the airfoil cross-section.

主权项

1. An airfoil comprising:
a load-bearing structure in the forward portion of the airfoil; a skin to maintain the airfoil shape; a tapered composite structure having one or more actuators extending from the load-bearing structure toward the trailing edge, and joining the skin in the vicinity of the trailing edge, the one or more actuators being configured to deflect the trailing edge so as to deform the shape of the airfoil cross-section; and a core extending from the load-bearing structure connecting the tapered composite structure to the load-bearing structure, wherein the tapered composite structure tapers from being relatively thick near the core to being relatively thin near the trailing edge.