Flight-control of all aircraft is based on highly optimized actuation systems. For a long time the control surfaces of transport airplanes above a certain weight have been hydraulically powered. The most recent generation of in-service commercial transports is showing generalization of the electrical signalling of the hydraulic flight control actuators, known as fly-by-wire systems. The very new aircraft generation, presently under development, will feature mixed powered flight control actuation: both electrical and hydraulic power sources will be installed. A next step could be the non-hydraulic, all-electric aircraft. A second technology stream is on the horizon. During the last decade strong research activities in Europe and the US were targeted on realization of a new class of active mechanical structures for aerodynamic and structural control: the so-called smart structures. The core of active structures is a disruptive actuation technology based on mechanically active materials. The most promising candidates for smart materials are piezo-ceramics, shape memory alloys and electro active polymers. Topical examples of aerospace application are smart helicopter rotor blades, structural vibration control systems, and new high-performing actuators. These technologies enable and inspire radical product innovation. They are in the laboratory today and very likely on the market the very next decades.
Actuator technology - driver of aerospace systems innovation
Neue Aktortechnologien für Luftfahrzeuge
2004
9 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 32 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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