Patent ID: 8302904
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: B64C,F15D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus having a morphable free surface, comprising: a substrate having a surface; a morphable skin having first and second surfaces, said first surface of said morphable skin being attached to at least a portion of said surface of said substrate, said second surface of said morphable skin comprising at least one asperity, said at least one asperity configured to exhibit a morphable configuration of said second surface relative to said surface of said substrate, said at least one asperity having a height of the order of 10 percent or less than a boundary layer thickness of a fluid passing over said apparatus; and an actuator in operative communication with said morphable skin, said actuator configured to apply a control signal to said morphable skin; whereby, in response to a control signal applied to said morphable skin by said actuator, said second surface of said skin assumes a modified surface configuration relative to said surface of said substrate so as to provide a morphable free surface.