22nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Harrogate, UK, 28 August - 1st September, 2000
Paper ICAS 2000-4.9.2

COMPREHENSIVE MODELLING OF SMART STRUCTURES FOR AEROELASTIC APPLICATIONS

J. P. Narkiewicz
Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland

Keywords: aeronautics, smart structures, rotorcraft, control, modeling, simulation

The paper presents the results of activities in Helicopter Mechanic Group at Warsaw University of Technology concerning modelling of smart structures for rotorcraft application. Two computer models were used: comprehensive rotor blade model and typical cross section approach. The aerodynamic model for aerofoil with trailing edge flap performing arbitrary motion was developed and included into analysis. Application of two control algorithms in the time domain to control helicopter rotor blade using „smart devices” are presented. The first algorithm uses deterministic learning control technique, and the second, heuristic one, used for rotor optimisation utilises two control variables. Both methods were efficient in computer simulation fulfilling the required tasks. The combined application of the new unsteady aerodynamic loads calculation model and control algorithm in the time domain proved to be effective, giving reasonable results. The further investigation should concern inclusion electromechanical model of sensing/actuating element into model of rotor blade with active device for investigation the properties of complete servoaeroelastic system. The results of this research form basis for designing experimental facilities and research confirming the properties of aeroelastic systems.

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