Dynamic loading systems for ground testing of high speed aerospace actuators

Abstract

PurposeTo develop structured guidelines for the synthesis of dynamic force simulators that are required for the testing of high speed aerospace actuators. To provide realistic and proven solutions at both test bench hardware and control design levels.Design/methodology/approachThe state of the art in control design applied to load simulators in mainly based on complex controllers and does not take into account practical considerations. The objective of the present work is to provide generic preliminary design rules to ensure that the test bench architectures (frame, power transmission and control) and the components specifications are consistent with the targeted performance. Once selected the appropriate power transmission architecture, a linear approach is used as a foundation to generate design rules. Then, preliminary design is achieved thanks to the introduction, as early as possible, of the unavoidable technological defects.FindingsA step‐by‐step methodology allows the designer to select the controller architecture and to specify components with special care to their consistency with the required dynamic performance. The linear then practical approach generates key rules that can be used in the very early phase of the test bench design.Originality/valuePractical considerations on the components static and dynamic limitations are introduced progressively to make the natural test bench performance as consistent as possible with the performance requirements. Consequently, the controller becomes simpler to design and robust.

A Force Control Test Rig for the Dynamic Characterization of Helicopter Primary Flight Control Systems

“…Load [7], when force must be controlled on a quasi-stationary component, the parameters mostly affecting the system accuracy are the load sensor accuracy and the load actuator friction, while the component dynamics plays a minor role. However, when the load actuator must control the force on a fast moving component, such as the case of a TRA, the stiffness, damping and inertia of the system become a major source of error for the force control.…”

“…However, it is not possible to increase arbitrarily its value in order to maintain and adequate stability margin and also because integrator force controls are subjected to limit cycle oscillations [7], [8]. The reduction of the effects of the disturbances must then be obtained acting on other system parameters.…”

On quantitative feedback design for robust position control of hydraulic actuators

“…Despite all these developments, however, the simplicity of proportional (P) or proportionalintegral (PI) control laws still prevails in many industrial fluid power applications (Jacazio & Balossini, 2007;Mare, 2006;Plummer, 2007). Conventional P and PI controls are straightforward to setup using established tuning rules such as ZieglerNichols.…”

Self-tuning quantitative feedback theory for parallel force/position control of electro-hydrostatic actuators

“…Owing to its efficiency, hybrid systems have a wide range of applications where force or position control with high accuracy and fast response are essential. As a result, many hybrid testing systems were fabricated for doing researches on controlling with better performances [3][4][5].…”

“…,(5), and (8) impose constraints on nominal loop gain L 1ð ÞG 1,2 s ð Þ, and P 1,2 0 s ð Þ denote the nominal plant transfer function). These constraints are used to…”