Active flow control on vertical stabilizer and rudder

Abstract

Systems and methods described herein provide for the control of airflow over a vertical control surface of an aircraft to enhance the forces produced by the surface. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, the vertical control surface of the aircraft is engaged by active flow control actuators that interact with the ambient airflow to alter one or more characteristics of the airflow. An actuator control system detects a flow control event, and in response, activates the active flow control actuators to alter the airflow. According to various aspects, the flow control event is associated with a separation of the airflow, which is corrected through the activation of the appropriate active flow control actuators, increasing the forces produced by the vertical control surface of the aircraft.

Description

Background technique [0001] Conventional commercial aircraft are designed with vertical tail fins to provide stability on the yaw axis. A vertical tail of an aircraft may comprise a fixed vertical stabilizer and a movable rudder hinged at the trailing edge of the vertical stabilizer. During normal flight operations, the vertical tail provides the force that allows the pilot to properly align and maintain control of the aircraft. The pilot is able to increase the force produced by the vertical tail by turning the rudder to provide the desired yaw moment on the aircraft. The vertical stabilizer is sized according to the designed flight envelope in which the aircraft will operate with the force necessary to maintain controlled flight within the boundaries of the envelope. For example, in emergency situations such as engine failure or extremely high crosswinds, the force required to maintain control of the aircraft produced by the vertical tail can be greatest. During aircraft ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0002] However, as the size of the vertical tail increases, the corresponding weight of the aircraft also increases, and the drag generated by the vertical tail also increases

As weight and drag increase, so do the costs of building and operating such craft

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