QFT force loop design for the aerodynamic load simulator

Abstract

A dynamic load simulator which can reproduce on-ground the aerodynamic hinge moment of a control surface is an essential rig for conducting performance and stability tests of aircraft actuation systems. The hinge moment varies widely over the flight envelope, depending on the specific flight condition and maneuvering status. To replicate the wide spectrum of this hinge moment variation within some accuracy hounds, a force controller is designed based on the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT). A dynamic model of the load actuation system Is derived, and compared with experimental results. Through this comparison, a nominal model of the load actuation system with some uncertainty bounds is developed. The efficacy of the QFT force controller is verified by a numerical simulation, in which combined aircraft dynamics, flight control law and hydraulic actuation system dynamics of the aircraft control surface are considered.