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Active flap device for helicopters based on Cedrat Amplified Piezoelectric Actuators
19 June 2023
A project called RPA (Rotor à Pales Actives) was launched three years ago to study the possible benefits of implementing active trailing edge flaps on a helicopter main rotor. The main objectives of this project are to decrease BVI noise in descent flight and improve the dynamic behavior of the rotor throughout the largest possible flight domain. After a first phase dedicated to the design of the best flap configuration at scale 1, the second phase of the project deals with the design of a wind-tunnel scale model of a rotor equipped with active flaps. An off-the-shelf piezo-electric actuator is used together with a specific patented flap-driving mechanism. Such an active device was tested under centrifugal loads as well as under aerodynamic loads in order to prepare future wind-tunnel tests. The results obtained under centrifugal loads allowed to clear the active device but the aerodynamic testing showed that some improvements were needed. Corresponding modifications are under way to fully clear the active device to be used on a complete rotor model.
ACTUATOR2008 MRF actuators Abstract
19 June 2023
Short Abstract
The MRF actuators are new electromechanical components using Magneto Rheological Fluids (MRF). When submitted to a high enough magnetic field, MRFs switch from a liquid to an almost solid body. The purpose of the new developed MRF actuators is to reach three aims: to offer a blocking force at rest, which can be strongly reduced by applying a current, to provide an electrically- controllable resistive force over a stroke of 30 mm, to perform the control of the force in a very short time, typically in a few milliseconds.
Cost efficient space micro-switch based on Contactless Eddy Current Sensor
8 September 2022
Micro-switches are frequently used in Space mechanisms to provide telemetry or to provide positive indication of the achievement of a desired position or function such as open, close, ready-to-latch, latched, end of travel, reference position, and for different mechanism applications. Current switches that rely on electro-mechanical technology are not very reliable and are sensitive to mounting orientation, to thermal gradients, and have a limited number of operational cycles, which is a problem for long life application, launch vibrations and shocks loads.
High power density Piezo motors for critical environments
8 September 2022
Piezoelectric motors offer many advantages for applications in numerous industrial sectors. The requirements for which these solutions are developed are focused on their main advantages such as non-magnetic and radiation compatibility, high force/volume ratio, good unpowered stall force and low power consumption. Such applications are typically concerned by exotic working conditions on which the piezoelectric motors still need to improve regarding the technological readiness level.
Mechatronic piezo mechanisms for active vibration control
8 September 2022
The current trend in the market to solve long boring bar related chatter problems are passive dampers integrated in the boring bar, which has derived in patents and commercial products; This solution, however, is not feasible in very slender bars or trepanning operations, due to small space available in the tool. Active damping has been tested and indus-trialised in different applications, including machine tool structures, but never in internal turning tools. The application of active damping on boring bars has been proposed in several researches…
MICA20CS Proof Mass Actuator
8 September 2022
The MICA linear actuator technology (Moving Iron Controllable Actuator) is being continuously improved at CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) for applications needing high controllable stroke, force, and power. The MICA20CS Proof Mas Actuator is a new actuator model, which is now completing the CTEC Proof Mass Actuator family together with the MICA300CM.
