Abstract: Along with the development of smart materials and structures, using piezoelectric actuators to control the aeroelastic performances in an aircraft is becoming an important research subject. Controlling wing deformation by means of piezoelectric actuators, the control method can control lift, moments and their distribution by utilizing the aeroelastic effect rather than resisting it. By means of similar structural control systems with smart materials, multiform control aims can be achieved, including static shape control, flutter suppression, buffet control and gust response control. In static control, the additional aerodynamic force obtained through changing the wing shape can increase lift, provide rolling moment, decrease induced drag and reduce bending moment at the root of the wing. In dynamic control, the additional aerodynamic force can act either as aerodynamic stiffness, aerodynamic mass or aerodynamic damping depending on different control aims. These control methods can help decrease structural weight, increase control efficiency, enlarge flight envelope and enhance material utilization efficiency. They are an important part of the morphing aircraft project. This article reviews the motivation, mechanism, development and achievements in the application of piezoelectric actuators to aircraft for aeroelastic performance enhancement and discusses issues and expectations in this field.

Key words: piezoelectric actuator, aeroelasticity, flutter suppression, buffet control, shape control