Full Band Anticipatory Control Algorithms to Suppress Aggressive Maneuver Vibrations

Recent high usage of helicopters in Iraq and Afghan theatres underscores a need for rotorcraft safety and reliability improvements. Rotor induced vibrations cause significant airframe fatigue and electronic component failure. In current generation rotorcraft, vibration attenuation is achieved through either airframe mounted tuned-absorbers or active vibration control (AVC) systems. Typical AVC system uses a number of fixed-system, narrow band force generators to reduce the acceleration measured at multiple locations in aircraft fuselage. Although current AVC systems are effective at reducing vibration in steady-state flight, advanced control algorithms are needed to achieve similar results for dynamic maneuvers. To address deficiencies of current AVC algorithms Materials Technologies Corp. has formed an exceptionally talented team with experience in rotorcraft modeling, modern control algorithm development, and AVC system development. Proposed AVC algorithm development effort balances performance, computational, tractability, and certification complexity, utilizing state-of-the-art control technologies that address known deficiencies in production control algorithms. Phase I will demonstrate the most promising control algorithms in a high fidelity fuselage model developed in coordination with Sikorsky Aircraft. Control algorithms will be evaluated in hardware-in-the-loop testing on Sikorsky AVC test rig in Phase II to identify the best approach for dramatic vibration reductions in maneuvering flight that has the potential to significantly improve component lives and also flight safety by reducing pilot workload and environmental stressors.