Fluid-structure interaction aspects of the shape-morphing structures and robots

Abstract Advancements in intelligent materials for the past few decades enabled the development of functional morphing structures and robots operating in fluid environments. Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problems for functional morphing structures and robots were naturally accentuated. In this paper, the recent advancements in shape-morphing robots and structures in fluid flow across different Reynolds number scales are reviewed and summarized, from microrobots with Reynolds numbers much lower than 1 to deformable aircraft in turbulent flows. To improve the design and functionality of the morphing structures and robots, we discuss modeling methods, experiments, and materials for the morphing structures over a vast range of Reynolds numbers. Understanding FSI in designing morphing structures and robots is emphasized. Following up with several critical future questions to address, the potential applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques in improving the design of shape-morphing structures and robots are discussed. These shape-morphing structures are expected to significantly enhance sustainable solutions for challenges and explore the unknown of deeper oceans and outer space.