The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has introduced an innovative concept called “morphing skin,” aimed at enhancing aircraft performance. This development, which draws inspiration from the flight of birds, focuses on preventing aerodynamic stalls, improving lift, reducing drag, and increasing fuel efficiency. The research is spearheaded by Dr Rinku Mukherjee, in collaboration with IIT Madras alumnus Antony Samuel B, who contributed to the numerical coding involved. Experimental validations were conducted alongside Dr Aritras Roy, also an alumnus of the institute.

Understanding Aerodynamic Stalls

Aerodynamic stalls occur when air ceases to flow smoothly over the wing, leading to a significant reduction in lift and an increase in drag. To counter this, the IIT Madras team has created a flexible wing assembly that can dynamically adjust its shape in response to airflow variations. This adaptable external skin aligns with the airflow, effectively maintaining lift even at higher tilt angles. The system employs Macro Fibre Composite (MFC) strips that actively sense changes in the airflow and adjust the wing’s shape in real-time.

Dr Mukherjee explained that during take-off, an aircraft tilts to generate extra force required for ascent. Sometimes, this tilt may occur due to unfavourable flying conditions. In such cases, the external attachment of the wing can tilt safely, ensuring additional lift and aiding in accident prevention during flight.

The research process has seen extensive development lasting over two decades. The team initially concentrated on separated airflow studies before advancing to the creation and experimental validation of a physical device capable of managing flight properties in real time. Testing was carried out using a 3D wing based on a standard NACA 4415 airfoil configuration. Preliminary results indicated that the morphing skin could mitigate flow separation, thereby enhancing lift while minimising drag.

Long-Standing Projects in Aerodynamics

This latest innovation builds upon a series of aerodynamics research projects at IIT Madras. Under the Morphing Wing Aircraft Technologies (MWAT) initiative, funded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), researchers developed a rectangular wing that can adjust its camber during flight. The project, conducted from 2017 to 2022, included experimental studies, numerical analyses, and wind tunnel experiments to demonstrate changes in camber using an MFC-actuated external skin.

Additionally, another DRDO-funded project, which took place from 2015 to 2017, focused on numerical and experimental studies of unsteady aerodynamics in a pitching wing. Researchers devised numerical codes for unsteady pre- and post-stall aerodynamics and established experimental facilities for measuring pressure and load. An earlier project, spanning from 2010 to 2012, dedicated itself to predicting aerodynamic characteristics for unsteady post-stall flow.

These various projects underscore IIT Madras’ commitment to advancing research in aircraft aerodynamics, morphing wing technologies, and enhancements aimed at facilitating better flight performance and control. The findings from the recent study were published in the European Journal of Mechanics and co-authored by both Dr Aritras Roy and Dr Rinku Mukherjee, marking a significant contribution to aviation research.

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