Power Dense, Electro-Mechanical Planar Actuator for Flight Vehicle Systems

Air Force and NASA studies have shown that up to 20% can be saved in launch vehicleoperation and support costs by replacing hydraulic and pneumatic systems withelectrically driven systems. However, current electro-mechanical actuationtechnology lacks the power density to be a viable replacement.The objective of this effort is to demonstrate the feasibility of a lightweight,high torque, electro-mechanical actuation (EMA) system attractive for service inreusable launch vehicle applications. The proposed system is based on a planar,permanent magnet machine structure that utilizes a novel armature design. Thissystem is expected to provide 5 to 8 times greater power density than current,state-of-the-art EMA technology.If this project succeeds, a small, power dense EMA technology will exist that isable to compete with hydrualic and pnuematic actuation technology.Commercial aviation and aerospace are likely markets for this technology, as similarcost saving should be realized. High power, low weight actuators and motors are alsoof great interest to industrial manufacturers, particularly those now using hydraulicor pneumatic servo systems.