DATA SENSING FOR FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS.
Abstract
This study involved a comprehensive investigation of test methods for detection of selected malfunctions in flight control systems (FCS). The ultimate aim is to apply the promising methods on-line and in-flight, to minimize unscheduled and no-defect maintenance, and to increase aircraft availability and mission effectiveness. A survey of present and future FCS was made to determine those failure types and components which cause severe maintenance problems. Malfunction data and pilot symptom reports were accumulated and are tabulated for the A-6A and F-111B FCS. A study was conducted to find secondary effects applicable to hydraulic leak detection. Four effects were selected for experimentation: chemical signatures, acoustic noise, pressure surges and temperature differentials. The results of empirical tests using simulated leaks and actual leaky actuators indicate that only chemical signatures are able to detect excessive external leakages. Tests also indicate it is feasible to detect excessive flow rates using hydrophones to sense changes in acoustic noise profiles. Anticipated problems in application such as environmental masking effects, physical adaption of sensors, extreme environmental changes, and calibration are discussed, and a hardware concept is given. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0840732
Entities
People
- A. Romeo
- L. Matero
- M. Rosenfeld
Organizations
- Grumman