Patent — available for licensing
Improved Fixed-Wing Gust Load Alleviation Device
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Gust load alleviation is an increasing concern for the design of fixed-wing aircraft with ultra-high aspect wings. Innovators at NASA’s Langley Research Center developed a mechanical solution to control gust-load on fixed plane wings. By manipulating the wing’s natural response to gust loads, the technology may minimize aerodynamic and structural loads and improve flight efficiency of future aircraft. Current computer-controlled, active gust-alleviation devices delay the wing response such that gust loads experienced are mitigated less than 10% while the present invention has demonstrated the ability to improve gust load alleviation up to 30%. Along with the reduced response time that alleviates gust load, NASA’s mechanical innovation offers the advantage of a simplified design and potentially improves passenger flight experience during turbulence.