Generation of Potential System Architectures by Applying a Stochastic Clustering Algorithm in the High-Lift Actuation Preliminary Design Process

Abstract

High-lift systems are highly complex subsystems of aircraft, composed of hundreds of components working together in synergy. Designing new concepts for new aircraft configurations and requirements (e.g. multi-functional flight control systems) for more efficient flight is a complex and demanding task, thus designers are prone to using existing system solutions with slight modifications. Hence, new flight control system architectures are based on solutions mainly optimized for different (old) aircraft. This inhibits the complete capture of the benefits that come with systems optimized for present aircraft configurations and requirements. As a first step towards generating innovative architectures driven by the new requirements, this paper applies a stochastic design structure matrix clustering algorithm within the pre-design process, to generate alternative system architectures. With this approach, near-optimal system architectures for novel aircraft configurations and requirements can be analysed and alternatives can be evaluated for system level impact.