Investigations on MBSE modelling and dynamic performance assessment of an electrical trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator

With the development of power-by-wire technology for more electric aircraft,the electromechanical actuator(EMA)has the advantages to replace the conventional hydraulic servo actuator in some aerospace flight controls.Conventional hydraulically powered trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuation(THSA)system is nowadays developed to be electrically supplied.Given their safety-criticality,no-back mechanism and redundant load paths are utilized to meet the flight control requirements.However,rare literatures have introduced these functions and addressed the virtual prototyping activities from system-level point of view.This paper proposed such a model of a THSA system with dual electric power sources and fault-tolerant mechanical load paths.The nonlinear effects of components are considered with realism,and system-level simulation test is conducted to support the model-based system engineering(MBSE)approach.The models are developed with a power view instead of a pure signal view.Focusing on the friction effect and compliance effect with backlash or preload,some improved and novel approaches are adopted for these crucial components and validated via experimental results.Meanwhile,the implemented systemlevel model enables injection of crucial faults.Finally,the simulation of the proposed model shows that it is an efficient resource to investigate the actuator’s dynamic performance,to virtually prove that the actuator meets the fail/safe constraint,and to demonstrate the soundness of the fault monitoring functions.

Best practices for model-based and simulation-aided engineering of power transmission and motion control systems

This paper deals with the modelling and simulation of aircraft systems, in particular for power transmission and control. It is intended to review, propose and disseminate best practices for making model-based/simulation-aided engineering more efficient at any phase of the system life cycle. The proposals are aimed at creating value, not only by increasing the performance of the product under study but also by shortening the time to market, capitalizing knowledge, mitigating risks and facilitating concurrent engineering. The needs associated with the engineering activities are firstly identified to define a set of requirements for the models. Then, these requirements are used to drive the considerations leading to model development, focusing in particular on the process,modelled physical effects, modelling level, model architecting and concurrent engineering. The third part deals with the model implementation, giving special consideration to the different types of models, causalities, parameterization, implementation and verification. Each part is illustrated by examples related to safety critical actuators.