EAS017: Model Simulation of an Electrohydrostatic Drive System to Control the Rudder of a Bombardier: Aerospace Engineering Research Paper, SIT, Singapore

Project Title: Model Simulation of an Electrohydrostatic Drive System to Control the Rudder of a Bombardier Private Jet

Synopsis: Of late electrohydrostatic drives have shown good potential to replace purely hydraulic/mechanical actuation of large control surfaces of medium sized aircraft. This interest in actuation method stems from technological improvements in the efficiency and electrical power output from MEA aircraft electrical systems.

This project thus explores the performance capabilities of private medium sized jets using electro-hydrostatic actuators for controlling large surfaces instead of medium sized passenger aircraft types such as the B737NG/A320NG since the aerodynamics of the bombardier (selected aircraft model) would be quite different and interesting to explore.

Objectives:

(1) Literature analysis of the operation and performance of a suitable MEA system for the Bombardier to provide the electrical power to drive the electro-hydrostatic actuated rudder
(2) Study and compile the mechanical/hydraulic output requirements of an all mechanical/hydraulic flight control system for a classical Bombardier.

(3) Evaluate the performance then propose a suitable electro-hydrostatic actuation system to control the rudder of a Bombardier

Deliverables: (1) Literature review and focussed group data (from aerospace companies) regarding the operational and technical performance specifications required of an all mechanical/hydraulic flight control system for the bombardier aircraft

(2) An electrical load model of a electro-hydrostatic actuation system to drive the Bombardier’s rudder where the modelling includes test data samples of electrical current loading and torque/speed requirements of a bombardier’s rudder movements for different flight attitudes

(3) Feasible design proposal of a typical MEA and electro-hydrostatic system to replace the given mechanical/hydraulic rudder flight control system taking into consideration economic and maintenance issues.