To make this technology possible, you would need to distribute these actuators and sensors throughout the wings. That's similar to how the human body operates. There are also other biological resemblances. Another avenue being pursued by the Morphing Project is the examination of how nature works and applying its lessons to their designs and theories. It has already led to the development of a facsimile of bone.
Bone is light and comes naturally equipped with a porous interior yet generally remains very strong.
LaRC scientists can make structures similar to bone by injecting polymer microspheres into composite shells of the desired shape, then heating the spheres to make them fuse together like tiny soap bubbles. Give the Universe Your Thoughts on this News Item. Of course, as with any basic science, these smart materials will most likely extend past the boundaries of aerospace industry. Archives - Archives of past weeks' Daily Selected News Stories. All Rights Reserved.