Abstract
Active Noise and Vibration Control (ANVC) technology is a proven solution for noise and vibration problems in aircraft. The challenges in commercializing this solution range from the development issues of choosing the best actuation, sensor, and control technology to obtaining sufficient flight test time and satisfying FAA requirements. This paper examines significant case histories in the progression of the Lord active vibration control program from conception to market. Throughout the development program, several important discoveries were made regarding the performance, reliability, and economics of Active Isolation Systems (AIS) in jet aircraft. First, practical speaker-based solutions cannot achieve global acoustic noise cancellation for engine tones above about 200 Hz. A comparatively small array of structural actuators placed in the dominant transmission path, such as in or near the engine mounts, are capable of global cancellation in the cabin up to at least 500 Hz. Second, the performance is generally better when cabin microphones are used as error sensor inputs because the AIS control system can compensate for flanking paths better than if accelerometers are used as error sensors. Third, when the actuators are placed in the dominant transmission path and close to the vibration source, the control system will simultaneously achieve global acoustic noise reduction in the cabin and vibration reduction in the aircraft structure without affecting the engine casing vibration levels.
Development of Flight Control System and Troubleshooting on Flight Test of a Tilt-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle