Collapsible shape memory alloy (SMA) nose cones for air vehicles, method of manufacture and use
US8058595B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49865
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nose cone formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a recoverable strain of at least 2% collapses about the dome for storage, deploys at launch to protect the sensor dome and reduce drag during atmospheric flight and is shed to allow sensing for terminal maneuvers. The SMA is shape-set at elevated temperatures in its Austenite phase with a memorized shape having a radius of curvature greater than that of the sensor dome to reduce aerodynamic drag. The temperature is reduced and the SMA collapsed to conform to the curvature of the sensor dome within the recoverable strain for storage. A first mechanism is configured to return the collapsed SMA to its memorized shape at launch or prior to going supersonic. In one embodiment, the SMA is stored below its Martensite finish temperature in a temperature-induced Martensite phase in which case the mechanism heats the SMA above the Austenite finish temperature to return the material to its memorized shape. In another embodiment, the SMA is stored above its Austenite finish temperature in which case collapsing the SMA places the material in a strain-induced Martensite phase. The mechanism holds the collapsed SMA in place and the release…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.