Design of a smart material actuator for rotor control

Abstract

The results of a study to conceptually define an on-blade smart material actuator for primary and active control on a servoflap rotor are presented. Actuator design drivers, goals, and requirements are defined. For a previously developed hybrid actuator concept, the design of the cyclic and active (high speed) control actuator and feasibility of the collective (low speed) actuator and stroke multiplier are investigated. Sizing of actuator components based on AH-64 servoflap requirements shows that collective control using shape memory alloys is well within the capability of the material. Cyclic and active control using magnetostrictive material, leads to a reduced maneuver envelope due to weight and volume constraints. The promise of smart materials can be realized incrementally as the materials and actuator design approaches mature. Future improvements in smart material performance and actuator technology, and additional rotor system design changes to reduce load and motion requirements should provide the full AH-64 maneuver envelope.