Morphing aircraft systems developed by Purdue researchers aim to enhance performance of hypersonic vehicles

The Purdue Bell Tower.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —

What if components in aircraft could morph in response to their external conditions, much like a bird changes the shape of its wings? And what if those components could function like an octopus arm, operating independently of a central control system? Inspired by these natural phenomena, a Purdue University research team is developing morphing systems for hypersonic vehicles that respond to their environment.

Andres Arrieta, associate professor of mechanical engineering, and Rodney Trice, professor of materials engineering, are designing aircraft systems with multistable structures — components that can take on multiple shapes in response to external forces. These structures function through a combination of mechanical and material interventions that not only make morphing hypersonic systems possible but may also reduce weight and complexity.

Read more on Purdue’s Office of Research website.

Media are encouraged to share, post and publish this content.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

Media contact: Evamarie Socha, ecsocha@purdue.edu

More Purdue News

Rick Atkinson and a

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson to headline next Presidential Lecture

August 19, 2026

Students use laptops in a tiered classroom or lecture hall.

Purdue’s AI competency graduation requirement begins in every undergraduate degree program

August 19, 2026

Cornerstone for Business conference highlights Daniels School’s commitment to freedom, capitalism and principled leadership

August 18, 2026

Photo of blurred students walking in front of Hovde Hall

Purdue joins national pilot program giving PhD students industry research experience

August 18, 2026