Multifunctional Magnetic Soft Actuators for Aerospace Applications: Morphing Structures and Biomimetics

Abstract Using morphing for improvements in mobility performance is broadly used in nature to optimize the interactions of flying animals with their surroundings. Such capability has long been in sight for aerospace applications where constantly changing conditions defy designs only suitable for one set of conditions. Despite the need for solutions promoting adaptive geometries, there are no great examples implemented, especially solutions not requiring mechanical drive systems or connection interfaces that reduce aerodynamic performance. Magnetic soft actuators offer a promising alternative for morphing aerospace structures without mechanical systems. This study aims at applying magnetic soft elastomers, composed of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) and NdFeB (neodymium‐iron‐boron) particles, as multifunctional materials to achieve morphing capabilities in aerospace applications. These composites are manufactured with different fractions of particles from 0 to 50 wt.% and were tested to clarify their influence on the actuation ability and mechanical properties, with some achieving displacements greater than 8 mm. Subsequently, while retaining actuation ability, the composites are reinforced with natural (flax) and synthetic (E‐glass) fabrics, improving mechanical strength by up to 34‐fold. Alternating magnetic fields enabled flapping‐like motion, mimicking natural locomotion and reaching amplitudes greater than 1 mm, positioning magnetic soft elastomers as viable candidates for UAVs and adaptive structures.