Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization of Active Trailing Edge for Smart Helicopter Rotor Blade

Abstract

A new concept is proposed for individual blade control: the Active Trailing Edge (ATE).

The objective of this paper is to present the current status of design and optimization of the ATE. Due to the specific nature of the subject an inherently multi-disciplinary approach is taken. The aeroservoelastic optimization of the ATE actuator is based on evolutionary algorithm.

The resulting optimal actuator design, the sensitivity of the optimal design to manufacturing and material constraints and some key performance characteristics like aeroservoelastic airfoil polars and Mach-number influence on aerodynamic effectiveness are presented.

For the purpose of comprehensive rotor dynamics simulation including the dynamic and aeroservoelastic behaviour of the ATE actuator, a reduced-order model is developed. The paper concludes with a presentation of active helicopter benefit analysis.

Keywords:

• adaptive helicopter rotor
• piezoceramic actuation
• aeroservoelasticity
• smart composites

Acknowledgments

This research is sponsored by the EU in the sixth framework program as part of the FRIENDCOPTER project, contract no. AIP3-CT-2003-502773.