Testing and validation of a Froude-scaled helicopter rotor model with piezo-bimorph-actuated trailing edge flaps

Nikhil A. Koratkar; Inderjit Chopra

doi:10.1117/12.275646

6 June 1997 Testing and validation of a Froude-scaled helicopter rotor model with piezo-bimorph-actuated trailing edge flaps

Nikhil A. Koratkar, Inderjit Chopra

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3041, Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.275646
Event: Smart Structures and Materials '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper presents the testing of a Froude scaled rotor featuring piezoceramic bimorph actuated trailing-edge flaps for active vibration suppression. An analytical model for the coupled bimorph actuator trailing-edge flap dynamic response in the rotating environment was developed. The analysis takes into account the aerodynamic, centrifugal, inertial and frictional loads acting on the actuator-flap system. The linkage arm length associated with the mechanical amplification mechanism was selected in order to maximize flap performance in the rotating environment. The bimorph clamping was improved to prevent actuator slippage under high centrifugal loads. The analytical model was validated by carrying out a series of bench tests, vacuum chamber tests and hover tests. In hover, flap deflections of plus or minus 6 degrees at 4/rev flap excitation were achieved at 900 rpm, thus demonstrating the potential of the piezoceramic bender as a lightweight and compact actuation system for individual blade control purposes. This paper also includes a feasibility study for piezo-bimorph actuation of a trailing-edge flap for a Mach scaled rotor model.

Citation Download Citation

Nikhil A. Koratkar and Inderjit Chopra "Testing and validation of a Froude-scaled helicopter rotor model with piezo-bimorph-actuated trailing edge flaps", Proc. SPIE 3041, Smart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, (6 June 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.275646

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