A combined angle of attack and angle of sideslip smart probe with twin differential sensor modules and doubled output signal

Abstract

This article presents a combined system for an angle of attack (AOA) and an angle of sideslip (AOS) measurements that will be integrated into an existing air data computer system (ADC) due to an early warning against loss of air lift followed by uncontrolled fall of an airplane. We present a set of probes for AOA and AOS measurement whose parameters, advantages and disadvantages are compared. The results were acquired by direct measurement of sensors and through a newly developed smart probe that contains a microcontroller for basic signal processing and a sensor module for the probes connection. Within the project time span, some probe types were simulated in computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software and twelve probes were manufactured and tested. The most promising probe is described in details and compared with other types, its transfer characteristics depending on its orientation with respect to the airstream, velocity of the airstream and temperature. A unique sensor interconnection method resulting in double amplitude measurement that is based on asymmetric connection of differential pressure sensors is presented.