Torque-Based Flight Control and Gust Load Alleviation

MODULAR

Actuator test rig
Interactively controllable real-time flight dynamics simulation and visualisation with torque-controlled rudder actuator as hardware-in-the-loop
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Hardware-in-the-loop actuator test bench
Torque-controlled electro-mechanical rudder actuator on test rig
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In cooperation with Liebherr Aerospace, the Institute of Flight Systems is researching torque-based flight control and its integration into the overall dynamics of flexible aircraft.

In contrast to irreversible flight control with position-controlled rudders, which is the state of the art in large transport aircraft, torque-controlled rudders include a load alleviation function, as a rudder controlled in this way actively deflects in the event of disturbances such as gusts and thus reduces load peaks. The institute is developing and testing corresponding control concepts for electromechanical rudder actuators (EMAs), which are considered a promising technology for future, more resource-efficient transport aircraft.

Currently, the coupling of a torque-controlled rudder actuator as hardware-in-the-loop with an interactively controllable real-time flight dynamics simulation and visualisation of an elastic aircraft has been implemented. This allows the overall dynamics of the aircraft with torque-based flight control to be tested and the load reduction to be quantified.

Procekt

LuFo VI-1 MODULAR

Duration

January 2020 – December 2024

Field of research

MODULAR – Smarte Aktuator-Konzepte für elektromechanische und elektrohydraulische Antriebe

DLR-Institutes involved

Institute of Flight Systems

Participants

Liebherr Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH

Technische Universität Berlin

Funded by

BMWK

Project management

Liebherr Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH