English

Aerogami: Composite Origami Structures as Active Aerodynamic Control

Applied Physics 2019-12-17 v2

Abstract

This study explores the use of origami composite structures as active aerodynamic control surfaces. Towards this goal, two origami concepts were designed leveraging a combination of analytical and finite element modeling, and computational fluid dynamics simulations. Wind tunnel tests were performed at different dynamic pressures in conjunction with two different active control laws to test the capability of obtaining desired drag values. The experiments revealed excellent structural rigidity and folding characteristics under aerodynamic loading. Future work will focus on developing advanced origami designs that allow for more deterministic folding as well as improved weight, stiffness, and fatigue characteristics in the use of materials. Upon completion of these improvements, it is anticipated that full-scale testing on a vehicle could be meaningfully conducted.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1909.04119,
  title  = {Aerogami: Composite Origami Structures as Active Aerodynamic Control},
  author = {Mircea Cozmei and Tristan Hasseler and Everett Kinyon and Ryan Wallace and Antonio Alessandro Deleo and Marco Salviato},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1909.04119},
  year   = {2019}
}

Comments

Preprint to Elsevier

R2 v1 2026-06-23T11:10:17.803Z