Canard Actuation System Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (CASMO)

The Army is constantly striving towards improved weapon effectiveness with minimum collateral damage, with constraints on costs. Embedded canard actuation systems are one of the most costly components in spinning projectiles and there is a need to design new actuation mechanisms that are scalable across multiple caliber systems as well as applicable to new projectile designs. The design of such systems requires an integrated multidisciplinary approach coupling aerodynamics, structures, dynamics and controls. To address this need, Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) proposes to develop a canard actuation system design tool. The approach leverages on multidisciplinary optimization using a careful balance of multi-fidelity analysis. This tool will enable an in-depth physical understanding of designs as well an ability to design systems that are easily scalable, lightweight, inexpensive and satisfy the multiple objectives associated with this problem. We have provided a proof-of-concept for CASMO in Phase I, which will be fully developed in Phase II and demonstrated through hardware prototyping and testing. This will eventually enable flight testing in Phase III and beyond.