Project Title:
Electromagnetic Shaker for Aircraft Structural Characterization
92-1-03.06-0540 NAS02-13732
Electromagnetic Shaker for Aircraft Structural
Characterization
Satcon Technology Corporation
12 Emily Street
Cambridge, MA 02139-4507
Richard L. Hockney (617-661-0540)
Abstract:
This project will design, fabricate, and demonstrate an
electro-mechanical seismic shaker for aircraft flight testing. The
shaker, which could be quickly and easily attached to wing-tip
accessory rails, would allow dynamic flight characterization of
existing aircraft. This device is needed because existing methods
utilizing natural turbulence are too slow and incorporation of
hydraulic seismic shakers into existing aircraft is prohibitively
expensive. The concept, which has been made possible by new
developments in motors and solid-state power conversion, will
incorporate a unique linear induction motor driven by a resonant
converter operating at 20 kHz. The resonant converter uses pulse-
population-density modulation to operate the induction motor as an
extremely power dense and efficient, four-quadrant, variable-speed
actuator. The pulse-population-density modulation approach
provides inherent electro-magnetic-interference (EMI) suppression
while minimizing required filtering and shielding. The project
will result in a flight-certifiable design having a combination of
small-size, low EMI, and low harmonic levels not previously
possible in electro-mechanical seismic shakers. Phase I will
provide a preliminary design and Phase II will construct a
prototype unit for testing.
Potential Commercial Application:
Potential Commercial Applications: This product will
substantially reduce the cost and decrease the time required for
dynamic flight testing of existing aircraft. It is anticipated
that there will be a substantial market for a lightweight, low
cost shaker system which can be employed in testing experimental,
military, and commercial aircraft.
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