Open-loop Test of a Smart Rotor Model with Trailing-Edge Flaps Used for Vibration Suppression of Helicopter

This paper presents the design, analysis and open-loop testing of a smart rotor system with trailing-edge flaps for reduction of helicopter vibration. First, analysis was used to determine the flap deflection requirements for vibration suppression. Next, an analytic model for the coupled actuator-flap-rotor system was used to design piezoelectric actuators. Finally, the open-loop testing of the rotor model was described. This testing was conducted to demonstrate whether the double-X actuators can effectively drive the flap at the rotor operating speeds. Rotor speed, frequency and voltage influences on actuator performance were studied. Also, we change the flap frequencies to observe the variations of vertical hub loads. Testing result showed that piezoelectric actuators can effectively actuate the flaps and the movement of flaps has significant effect on the vertical hub loads at the rotor operating speeds.