X-Frame-actuator servo-flap acuation system for rotor control

Eric F. Prechtl; Steven R. Hall

doi:10.1117/12.316902

27 July 1998 X-Frame-actuator servo-flap acuation system for rotor control

Eric F. Prechtl, Steven R. Hall

Proceedings Volume 3329, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316902
Event: 5th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A design is presented of a 1/6 Mach scaled CH-47D rotor blade incorporating a X-Frame discrete actuator for control of a trailing edge servo-flap. The second generation design of the X-Frame actuator is described focusing on the design changes made from the actuator prototype. The function of the components that restrain the actuator to the rotor blade and connect it to the servo-flap are described. The major challenge in placing a discrete actuator into a rotor blade is in allowing the required functionality in the aggressive acceleration environment of the blade. In particular, a new centrifugal flexure is used to restrain the actuator in the spanwise direction and special fittings are incorporated into the blades to allow the required actuator degrees of freedom while reacting the out of plane vibrational accelerations of the blade. Concentric steel rods are used to transfer actuator motion to the servo-flap and to eliminate the compliant blade fairing from the actuation load path. A slotted flap design was used to reduce the required hinge moments. The aerodynamic implications of using such a flap design are described. Furthermore, retention of the flap and the pre-stress of the actuator were accomplished by a steel wire centered on the flap rotational axis. The design of this part and its influence on choosing an optimum flap length is discussed. The manufacture of the composite rotor blades is described. The diversion of composite unidirectional plies to allow access to the actuator bay within the blade spar is described.

Citation Download Citation

Eric F. Prechtl and Steven R. Hall "X-Frame-actuator servo-flap acuation system for rotor control", Proc. SPIE 3329, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, (27 July 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316902

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