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Using Materials With Memory to Assist in Propulsion of Autonomous Vehicles in Any Medium

Birds flap wings, sharks move vehicle fins. Each of these organisms is naturally equipped for forward propulsion using the most efficient system possible against the medium through which it moves. In studying such a perfect model of motion, it's worth pondering whether human engineers can't put these same mechanical concepts to use in the construction of their aircraft machines. One idea worth testing is the incorporation of materials with memory into future design plans.

Memory Materials and Wing or Propeller Construction:

Memory comes into play when one considers the repetitive pattern of wing-flapping or fin propulsion. A moving mechanical object can easily mimic this same movement, provided the materials it's manufactured from are light enough and flexible enough. The fin or wing of said movement machine must ideally be designed, as is the muscular-skeletal makeup of a bird's wing, to return to normal position when bent. Relative water flows, created current from AUV, or increased back pressure from forward momentum against the artificial fin or wing, would force it back to its position. The forward propulsion of a propeller would cause it to bend out of shape and then it would once again correct itself. Clearly, in order for this to work, the lightness of the machine, the force by which it propels itself, and the density of the wing structure must all be taken into account. The "flying or swimming machine" will inevitably undergo many experiments before optimum physics and ultimate success is achieved.

Memory Materials, Self-Propelling Air/Water Crafts and Energy-Efficiency:

In our hypothetical memory-material model, the propulsion apparatus would wiggle and move forward and thus be less detectable... with less mechanism or springs and therefore less controlling surfaces, less murphyism, less wear and tear and less energy to propel. Thus weight savings-- not that it's a huge issue in water of 8.2 lbs per gallon, but every amount saved is an amount of efficiency.

Materials with memory are nothing new; look at a paper clip, spring, slinky, etc. A nickel titanium stint, when forced, could cycle some 100 times a second if I am not mistaken; and also cause a frequency and electricity. Think of how an electromagnetic pulse might confuse the enemy; and in a small mini UAV, act like a humming bird as it literally hovers to the target. The addition of a self-activation feature might allow your UAV to fly to the target, hover, send you pictures, GPS coordinates for smart bombing, larger UAVs for Hell Fire Missiles... and then finally drop on the target.

Memory Materials in Achieving an Unpredictable Flight Pattern:

Now let us take this into the contexts of a UAV or flying unit. The propeller or propulsion system moves the vehicle forward. The horizontal stabilizer, whether a canard or conventional tail, could force the aircraft down or up. The dihedral could have a somewhat memory of the way the grain in material is manufactured, causing it to flap like a bird with a muscle above the wing. The force of the relative wind would cause the wing to bend downward until it sprung back, and thus you have an unpredictable flight pattern. You could have several vehicles flying in a swarm of flock, which were manufactured slightly less or more so they would be nearly impossible to hit. Yes, with the same propulsion output they could fly at similar if not exact speeds since the ups and downs would equal out. The flapping of the wings would reduce the amount of energy needed for sustained flight.

Memory Materials in UAVs:

Memory materials might also be used to build a motor in a UAV that would allow water to flow through, such as a diaphragm membrane, which might drive single piston. "Ferromagnetic" memory materials can be shaped for this type of use; for example, manganese or gallium. One might fit small units into capsules that are inserted into a tube and placed inside of a Navy Seal or fighter pilot suit. If one discovered a way to set these capsules to vibrate, the sound would give away their position for extraction or rescue.

Remember the movie Core when they found the craft, which was at the bottom of the ocean near a vent which caused the whales to find it? Polymers have also been used in cars and automobiles like the Saturn where you punch the door and it pops back out. Some polymers can stretch up to 12 times their length, again stretch Armstrong and flex back, whereas metals are not nearly as elastic, but can provide the rigidness and many are conductive of electricity.

An Added Component: Memory Materials as "Fuel in the Wings":

Another thought: include the insides of the wings themselves as part of the fuel. Meaning, the wing would ideally be constructed of a poly plastic that can be converted into engine power at the melting point. In essence, the wings dissolve upon arrival at destination... a problem, yes... but on a single no return mission of a UAV this would be quite acceptable. In the beginning of the flight, the structural integrity to fly in part would be the amount of strength to carry the fuel too. Here, the fuel and the wing are synonymous. The concept of the vehicle "eating itself alive" as it were, is similar to the marathons or ultra marathons I use to run when near the end of the race you were depleted and literally running on guts, body fat and sheer will power.

As the aircraft eats the inside of the wing which is made of a poly type plastic, it is dissolved, thus the aircraft converts this into energy and the weight is decreased meaning it flies even more efficiently. The last leg of the mission is down hill, and it flaps its way in a slow glide to the target or mission end point. The goal line to win a victory point in the overall battle; thus, scoring points against the opponent.

The reason we use the wing is that it can be hollow and it is at the C.G. point. If we take some from the tail then eventually a motor in the rear would deplete itself; however, the weight and balance would be out of check, unless a downward angle of attack and proper speed was continuous. One variation on this theme is to have the engine itself burn up like a Roman candle in the end, providing forward momentum and thrust. Since the chief purpose would be for multiple UAVs on a single mission, this might happen at different times and actually space out the mission and attack sequence. Meaning, the enemy would be under constant fire until the last UAV made its final death blow. This is of value when using UAVs as a diversionary force to keep the enemy occupied.

The wing spars could be made of the same types of plastics that surgeons use to expand heart arteries during operations. We know these techniques work on metal, plastic, carbon fibers, resilient composite, rubber of all types even (stretch Armstrong). We pick the lightest material and go for it. Nickel-titanium stints are also easily adaptable metal, and you would not need much. If you use nickel and poly fibers you could made a battery or find a suitable chemical reaction for fuel or propulsion or even poison gas on impact (forget I said that).

The engine in the rear might be made out of a clay type substance encased in cellophane which, once lit from the rear, would provide the thrust like a small C-65 Estes rocket engine. Once the engine was burned out, it could fall to Earth in cinders with a whistle on it so it made an intimidating sound and another diversion; a dud, or perhaps a small charge.

Other Uses for Memory Materials:

Tesla would enjoy this discussion immensely; he would laugh and come up with 50 other good uses... probably concepts a lot more noble since he was a proponent of strong defense as opposed to strong offense like Von Clauswitz. Nevertheless, the uses for UAVs are of supreme value and maybe in thinner mediums of fluid such as salt water, where the polymers might serve a more useful purpose without succumbing to corrosion over long journeys or long life missions. Another use would be in a fire hose which, if laid on the ground, would wiggle like a snake. Using the basics of fluid dynamics, the snaking hose could function like a pump for long distances. As the flow rate is lost with the increase in distance from the fire hydrant, the flow slows. Consequently, dynamic pressure is reduced as less weight behind the flow becomes available. Lining fire hoses with materials which are memory manufactured will also make the hose easier to roll up for storage.

Material memory manufacturing will solve many future problems of mankind and add a safety cushion to emergency response, civil defense, scientific advancement and offensive military components.

This article professionally edited by WordFeeder Copywriting and Content Services, http://wordfeeder.com
Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.

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