Researchers in the Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory are developing a drone with the ability to morph while in flight to better fit its mission. For example, in situations involving the shortening and lengthening of a drone wing for efficiency and speed. To begin their work, they turned to the expertise of researchers at Texas A&M for assistance with the complex analysis and design stage.
Tackling part of this first step, a team led by Dr. Darren Hartl developed a novel fluid-structure interaction algorithm. This vital tool will provide the Army Research Laboratory’s researchers with a streamlined means to analyze the interaction between fluid and air flows and flexible or adaptable solid structures in their pursuit of a transforming drone.
Their algorithm substantially cuts down on the computational cost by simultaneously running analyses for various pressures and structure shapes and then using mathematical tools to stitch together two matching solutions.
FEATURED RESEARCHER
Dr. Darren Hartl
- Assistant Professor