Shape shifting metal honeycomb promises smarter aircraft wings
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 09, 2026
Researchers at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) have developed an active metallic metamaterial that could enable aircraft wings to change shape smoothly during flight without relying on bulky external actuators. The material is lightweight and strong while bending and recovering its shape autonomously, addressing a long-standing trade-off in morphing wing concepts.
Researchers at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) have developed an active metallic metamaterial that could enable aircraft wings to change shape smoothly during flight without relying on bulky external actuators. The material is lightweight and strong while bending and recovering its shape autonomously, addressing a long-standing trade-off in morphing wing concepts.