Use of Polymer Skins in the Morphing Technology

Skins related-morphing technology، are studied with relation to their mechanical and thermal properties. Morphing wings are those wings that can undergo self-change in shape and geometry. Although، engineers present different configurations for self-changing wings but there are not much studies on skin materials in this wings. A suitable material in morphing skins has to be elastic and flexible and capable of fast recovery to its initial condition. Also، it should be resistant against different environmental conditions، chemicals and abrasive agents، and sufficient hardness number of its structure to tolerate the aerodynamic loads. According to the above notes، the commercial materials are selected to meet the necessary requirements and include thermoplastic polyurethane، elastomeric copolymer، shape memory polymers and woven materials. First، history of different configurations of morphing wings is described and it is concluded that different configurations and shapes must not include hard materials as morphing wings.