Simulation of a prototype electrically powered integrated actuator for civil aircraft

Abstract

Developments in the design and proposed operation of large civil aircraft have resulted in aircraft manufacturers and equipment suppliers developing new system concepts, one of which is the all or more electric aircraft. In the all or more electric aircraft the distribution of power for flight actuation will be through the electrical system, as opposed to the currently used bulk hydraulic system. In order to implement power-by-wire, high-performance electrically powered actuators will be required. The paper discusses the design details, and the simulation of an electrohydrostatic actuator suitable for use in primary flight control systems of a civil aircraft. The paper presents experimental and simulation results, and identifies the parameters that will critically affect the performance of an actuator.