The objective of this research was to develop a smart rotor with active control of blade twist using embedded piezoceramic elements as sensors and actuators to minimize rotor vibration. A 1/8 Froude-scale (dynamically scaled) bearingless helicopter rotor model was built with banks of torsional actuators capable of manipulating blade twist at frequencies from 5 Hz to 100 Hz. To assess the effectiveness of the torsional actuators and vibration suppression capabilities, systematic wind tunnel testing was conducted in the Glenn L. Martin Wind tunnel. Using accelerometers embedded in the blade tip, the oscillatory blade twist response was measured. The changes in rotor vibratory loads due to piezo-induced twists were determined using a rotating hub balance located at the rotor hub. Experimental test results showed that tip twist amplitudes on the order of 0.5 degrees are attainable by the current actuator configurations in forward flight. Although these amplitudes were less than the target value (1 degree to 2 degrees for complete vibration suppression control), test results showed that partial vibration reduction is possible. Using open-loop phase shift control of blade twist at the first four rotor harmonics, changes in rotor thrust up to 9 % of the steady-state values were measured.


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    Title :

    Wind tunnel test of a smart rotor model with individual blade twist control


    Contributors:
    Chen, P.C. (author) / Chopra, I. (author)


    Publication date :

    1997


    Size :

    12 Seiten, 14 Bilder, 4 Tabellen, 13 Quellen




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English





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