Constructing aeroplane wings from metal that changes its shape could significantly improve the efficiency of flights. Airline industry engineers are examining the potential for replacing the heavy hydraulics and mechanical parts needed to move wing flaps with what is known as shape memory alloys. These would be 10 to 20 percent smaller and lighter than existing parts, helping to save on weight and fuel costs. The metals can be made to change their shape by subjecting them to changes in temperature, but technical problems of controlling the effect remain, given the extreme changes in temperature that take place in flight.
Constructing aeroplane wings from metal that changes its shape could significantly improve the efficiency of flights. Airline industry engineers are examining the potential for replacing the heavy hydraulics and mechanical parts needed to move wing flaps with what is known as shape memory alloys. These would be up to 90% smaller and lighter than existing parts, helping to save on weight and fuel costs. The metals can be made to change their shape by subjecting them to changes in temperature, but technical problems of controlling the effect remain, given the extreme changes in temperature that take place in flight.