Electromagnetic Actuators for Flight Control Systems

AVCON has developed a highly efficient linear motor actuator (LMA) design that has already demonstrated performance that exceeds the power to volume ratio goal of 20 hp/ft3, when operated at high speeds than required for use in moving aircraft flight control surfaces. Additional engineering will be required to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving an equivalent power to volume ration to reduce operating speeds. This proposed Phase I effort would investigate the physical phenomena, equations, materials, and manufacturing techniques for our unique coaxial design to determine the feasibility of building an LMA with a power to volume ration of 20hp/ft3, capable of moving 13.75 inches at a no load rate of 7.3 inches per second, with a frequency response of 3 Hz, a maximum output force of 3,000 pounds, and a back drive force of less than 125 pounds at 1.0 inches per second. After it has been proven feasible to design and build an LMA capable of meeting these requirements, a conceptual design of the actuator and its control system will be developed, based on an input voltage of 270 VDC. The conceptual design will allow for basic parameters, other than the physical limitation of a 13.75 inch stroke, to be varied so that the design can be optimized. Preliminary heat generation calculations will be performed, and a heat rejection scheme will be developed for a maximum ambient temperature of 160 degrees F (71 C). A work plan for Phase II will be developed, wherein a more in-depth analysis and design will be performed, and the LMA (including control system) will be fabricated and tested.