Exploiting the properties of piezoelectric materials to minimize
vibration in rotor-blade actuators, this book demonstrates the potential
of smart helicopter rotors to achieve the smoothness of ride associated
with jet-engined, fixed-wing aircraft. Vibration control is effected
using the concepts of trailing-edge flaps and active-twist. The authors'
optimization-based approach shows the advantage of multiple
trailing-edge flaps and algorithms for full-authority control of dual
trailing-edge-flap actuators are presented. Hysteresis nonlinearity in
piezoelectric stack actuators is highlighted and compensated by use of
another algorithm. The idea of response surfaces provides for optimal
placement of trailing-edge flaps.
The concept of active twist involves the employment of piezoelectrically
induced shear actuation in rotating beams. Shear is then demonstrated
for a thin-walled aerofoil-section rotor blade under feedback-control
vibration minimization. Active twist is shown to be significant in
reducing vibration caused by dynamic stall. The exposition of ideas,
materials and algorithms in this monograph is supported by extensive
reporting of results from numerical simulations of smart helicopter
rotors.
This monograph will be a valuable source of reference for researchers
and engineers with backgrounds in aerospace, mechanical and electrical
engineering interested in smart materials and vibration control.
Advances in Industrial Control aims to report and encourage the
transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of
control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline.
The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended
exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.
