Optimization of compliant adaptive structures in the design of a morphing droop nose

A design procedure for the synthesis of active camber morphing wing devices is proposed. A topology optimization initially defines the internal structure that is further enhanced by structural size and shape optimizations, and these optimizations are based on the distributed compliance concept. The size optimization enables the adaption of the topology solution to other materials and geometries while refining the topology solution to improve the shape quality of the skin deformation. Then, the structural shape optimization enables the reduction of the stress peaks inside the compliant structure and the finalization of the details to obtain a solution that is closer to the manufacturing process stage. The proposed methodology is used in the design of an adaptive droop nose to be installed on a reference regional aircraft, and two different design applications are considered. The first application is the validation of the procedure at the full scale level using a superelastic material for the internal structure. The second application is the design of a corresponding 3D-printed prototype, in which both geometry and material changes are considered, for experimental validation. The results show satisfactory shape quality and the achievement of structural feasibility. The experimental functional test of the scaled prototype demonstrates the effectiveness of the adopted morphing solution

Experimental and performance validation of a full-scale morphing droop nose design based on composite compliant structures

Active camber morphing technology can be used to improve aircraft performance in takeoff and landing flight conditions, while preserving a smooth wing shape. This study begins with the design of a morphing droop nose to be installed on a regional aircraft, and focuses on the manufacturing and testing of a full-scale and fully representative experimental prototype. All work is driven by the morphing shape change, which was optimized to provide the required aerodynamic performance. The adoption of a composite structure that combines a flexible skin with a compliant structure makes this device capable of achieving such a shape change, and sufficiently insensitive to external load variations. These capabilities are successfully demonstrated through experimental testing. A validation phase was conducted based on strain gauge measurements, and a motion capture system was used to identify three-dimensional shape changes due to the morphing. Finally, a validated numerical model is used to assess the aerodynamic performance of the experimental prototype

an analytic hierarchy process based model for the selection of decision categories in maintenance systems

Abstract This paper presents a model, based on Analytic Hierarchy Process, to support a maintenance manager with a suitable tool for focusing on the most relevant choices which need to be prioritized. The paper provides an insight on how structural and infra-structural decision elements, traditionally conceived for assessing the manufacturing strategy of a company, could be adopted as criteria for configuring a maintenance system. A model based on Analytic Hierarchy Process has been developed and tested in two industrial case studies in order to demonstrate how it can guide a maintenance manager in keeping the strategic decisions coherently with the overall company's manufacturing strategy. Main beneficiaries are mainly maintenance managers who have to tackle relevant strategic decisions in managing their maintenance systems. Given the increasing role of maintenance within the operations strategy of a company, the heterogeneity of actors involved, with the relevant risk of assuming conflicting decisions, it is of utmost importance to lever on adequate and shared decision support systems rather than relying on a mere empirical knowledge. The model proposed in this paper, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process, fills this gap since it provides a structured support in the decision making process by comparing and prioritising the relevant strategic decisions pertaining to the configuration of a maintenance system

Smart logistics and the logistics operator 4.0

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to deeply change several aspects of the manufacturing industry. Among them, the logistics and supply chain activities will be affected by these changes both at operational and managerial level to face the market drivers of flexibility and mass-customisation. In this context, the work of operators in internal and external logistics will be affected by these changes and increase the interaction between humans and machines. The evolution of the roles of humans in Logistics 4.0 will give birth to "The Logistics Operator 4.0"paradigm. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impacts of Industry 4.0 technologies on the different roles of logistics operators that work in the main logistics domains and areas

Digital Transformation Strategies for Achieving Operational Excellence: a Cross-Country Evaluation

The last decade, the manufacturing industry has been concerned with digital transformation as a new lever for competitiveness. Nevertheless, the industrial digital transformation remains an emerging topic, which is not well understood academically and in terms of its practical implications. Due to different contextual factors and national development policies, companies from different countries adopted different strategies for supporting it. These often led to peculiar effects on the companies’ operations. This paper is investigating how four large manufacturers - two from Italy and two from Denmark – are strategically addressing this agenda. The aim of this research is to offer a perspective on technology transformation in diverse contexts by studying the different digital transformation strategies adopted by these companies and discussing their dependencies on contextual factors