Real-Time Structural Overload Control via Control Allocation Optimization
This control
methodology utilizes real-time measurements of vehicle structural load to
actively respond to and protect against vehicle damage due to structural
overload. The innovation utilizes critical point load feedback within an
optimal control allocation architecture that constrains the load at those
critical points while still producing the control response commanded by a
pilot. Specifically, the technology monitors the loads at critical control
points and shifts the loading away from points at or near their limits.
Work to date: Using NASA's
Full-Scale Advanced Systems Testbed (FAST) aircraft, the Armstrong
team targeted the aileron hinge connection as a critical control point. The
experiment produced successful results in flight, limiting the aileron hinge
moments to below a specified value while maintaining aircraft roll performance
with minimal impacts to piloted handling quality ratings.
Looking ahead: Future tests will employ more advanced and
unique sensor technologies, such as fiber optic strain sensors,
which will improve both the robustness of the approach as well as the ability
to measure the load throughout the vehicle structure. This technology could
open the door to truly novel approaches to vehicle and control system design,
such as adaptive controls and reduced structural design margins.
Benefits
Effective: Identifies
the optimum control surface usage for a given maneuver for both
performance and structural loading
Automated: Monitors and alleviates
stress on critical load points in real time
Applications
Jet aircraft
Industrial robotics
Hyperelastic Research/Lightweight Flexible Aircraft
Armstrong engineers are pioneering new research in aircraft
design and modeling. Researchers are experimenting with revolutionary
hyperelastic wing control technologies that can reduce weight, improve aircraft
aerodynamic efficiency, and suppress flutter. Other cutting-edge research
involves techniques, models, and analysis tools for flutter suppression and
gust-load allevia-tion.Flight projects at Armstrong rely on high-performance
aircraft that can support research on lightweight structures and advance
control technologies for future efficient, environmentally friendly transport
aircraft. This work has applicability beyond flight safety and design
optimization.Armstrong's R&D capabilities in this area also can be applied
to other vehicles, such as supersonic transports, large space structures, and
hypersonic vehicles.
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2026 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.