Novel Concepts for Active Load Alleviation

Abstract

A promising approach for reducing the weight and fuel consumption of future transport aircraft is to alleviate dynamic wing loads caused by maneuvers and vertical gusts. Some modern transport aircraft already employ this technology, but further weight savings can potentially be achieved through novel load alleviation concepts with improved sensors, controllers, and flow actuators. This paper presents ongoing research activities on active load alleviation within the Cluster of Excellence on Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Aviation. A fully-coupled aeroelastic flight mechanics model is presented that enables the evaluation of different integrated sensor and actuator components under realistic operating conditions. The approach incorporates reduced order models for different gust sensors and advanced flow actuators, as well as a quantification of uncertainties for the entire system. Advanced designs for flow actuators are presented with a focus on fluidic jet actuators and a corresponding system identification process is described. In addition, a benchmark aircraft model is presented for evaluating LIDAR-based gust load alleviation functionality. The combination of these methodological and technological developments will contribute to the improvement of active load alleviation methods enabling sustainable and energy-efficient future air transport.