Smart twisting active rotor blades with a functionally graded foam core
Have you ever flown in a helicopter or airplane and felt the entire cabin vibrate during takeoff?
Or have you ever stood near a wind turbine and noticed how intense noise and vibrations dominate the surrounding environment? These issues are not just inconveniences—they can significantly reduce the efficiency, safety, and lifespan of transport vehicles and energy systems. The more vibration and noise, the greater the mechanical strain, energy consumption, and operational costs.
Latvian scientists are working on a solution!
The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, in collaboration with Riga Technical University (RTU), is participating in an innovative research project, “Smart Active Twist Rotor Blades with a Functionally Graded Foam Core” (LCS FARP, lzp-2023/1-0587), aimed at developing and experimentally validating a novel rotor blade concept.
How does it work?
The new rotor blades will be made of a lightweight composite structure that integrates:
- a functionally graded foam core, which enhances stiffness properties and allows adjustment of the elastic axis and center of gravity, and
- piezoelectric MFC (Macro Fiber Composite) actuators embedded into the blade skin, enabling real-time active twist control for vibration and noise reduction.
Where will this technology be used?
This smart rotor blade concept has wide applicability across various industries:
Helicopters.
Active twist reduces vibrations, leading to safer, more comfortable flights. It also helps decrease pilot workload and improves flight performance.
Drones.
Enhanced stability and precision are essential in research and military operations, where control and responsiveness are critical.
Wind turbines.
Lower vibration levels result in more efficient energy production and extend the service life of turbines, contributing to more sustainable energy systems.
Railway transport.
The technology reduces noise and vibrations in trains, especially high-speed rail where aerodynamic forces cause significant oscillations. It also increases the durability of tracks and rolling stock, lowering maintenance costs.
Energy sector.
In wind turbines, it boosts efficiency and longevity. In hydropower plants, reduced mechanical vibration improves energy generation and minimizes component wear.
Automotive industry.
For sports and electric vehicles, vibration control improves aerodynamics and driving comfort. In heavy machinery and industrial equipment, it extends operational life and enhances energy efficiency.
Space applications.
By stabilizing satellite and spacecraft panels, vibration reduction improves precision and operational durability. The technology also supports the development of UAVs for harsh environments, such as Mars exploration.
Construction and infrastructure.
Smart facades and adaptive structures can dynamically respond to environmental stressors like wind, reducing vibrations in skyscrapers and bridges.
Why it matters
This innovative rotor blade concept combines smart materials and engineering systems to offer vibration and noise reduction across multiple industries—from aviation and renewable energy to space and infrastructure.
The research team at LSIWC, led by Dr. Uģis Cābulis, is developing a functionally graded foam technology, which plays a key role in making these next-generation rotor blades more efficient, flexible, and energy-saving.
Follow us to see how Latvian scientists are developing technologies that transform the way we move, build, and explore.
Learn more about the project here: Smart twisting active rotor blades with a functionally graded foam core (LCS FARP, lzp-2023/1-0587)
