Experiments and modeling of variable camber guide vane embedded with shape memory alloy plate

Abstract In this paper, a novel variable camber guide vane (VCGV) actuated with a shape memory alloy (SMA) plate is proposed to achieve active real-time control. An analytical model is proposed to describe the relationship of SMA plates with different thicknesses between the deflection angle and temperature. Then, a numerical model of the VCGV is established to design the shape of the VCGV. Moreover, experiments of this actuator and VCGV are conducted to explore the variation of deflection angles over time for the VCGV. Results show that the deflection angle of the VCGV can be actively controlled from 0° to 8.2°. This work is expected to widen the applications of SMAs in variable guide vanes.