Review on the Structure Design of Morphing Winglets

Abstract

Winglets have a significant impact on the aerodynamic performance of aircraft. When aircraft are in different flight phases such as takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing, traditional fixed winglets often cannot provide optimal performance gains. If winglets that can morph according to different flight conditions are employed, it is expected that the aircraft’s lift-to-drag ratio and control performance can be optimized throughout the entire flight process. This paper reviews the current research status, from theoretical studies on the performance gains of morphing winglets and design studies based on mechanical transmission mechanisms, smart materials and novel structures, to optimization techniques and testing and verification technologies in the design of morphing winglets. It elucidates two main reasons for the low technological maturity of current morphing winglet research, and points out three areas worthy of further in-depth study.