Smart-Material Based Hydraulic Pump System for Actuation of a Morphing Wing

A magnetostrictive material is used as a high frequency driving element in a hydraulic pump that provides fluid power for actuation of a planned morphing wing. In the particular morphing concept, the pump serves as a centralized hydraulic power unit with distributed hydraulic lines to eight separate end-effectors in the wing, but the technology can also be used to create lightweight, compact electrohydrostatic actuators, which allow for distributed power-by-wire operation. The pump exceeds all flow rate and pressure requirements for actuation of the morphing wing. Magnetostrictive pump design and test results are described. Hydraulic and control systems are laid out in detail for a morphing wing demonstration on a small unmanned air vehicle. Looking towards future, non-experimental flights, information and test results are also provided on pump reliability and dual pump arrangements.