Active/Passive Structural Damping Control for Rotorcraft Systems

摘要

Our primary objective is to augment the aeromechanical stability of bearingless and articulated rotor systems. We will focus on two damping strategies: (1) dampers based on magnetorheological fluids, (2) Hybrid elastomeric-magnetorheological fluid-based dampers. The flexbeam and torque tube substructure of the model-scale rotor will incorporate adaptive dampers based on MRF technology. Key aspects of the damper design will be undertaken utilizing quasi-steady constitutive models. MR fluids exhibit a reversible change in yield stress as magnetic field is applied. This change in yield stress can be exploited in the design of a damper with an electromagnet. The key performance criterion will be the damping coefficient, or the field dependent damping over the damping in the absence of applied field. The test data will be used to validate analysis, and demonstrate utility of smart active/passive damping control concepts.