Optimization of Actuating Mechanisms of Flight Control Surfaces through Computer Aided Kinematics

The flight control systems of an aircraft are used to control the aircraft movements during the flight and consist of control surfaces and related mechanical and electrical actuating devices. The primary flight control surfaces viz., aileron, elevator and rudder, are manually operated through conventional yokes and pedals in the cockpit. The operating mechanisms of flight control systems are complex and spatial in nature and are generally difficult to analyze through conventional methods. Thus, dimensional optimization of components of the mechanisms is necessary to achieve satisfactory performance. In the present work, an attempt has been made to simulate and synthesize the actuating mechanisms of primary flight control systems of 7 ton class civil aircraft to the desired limit positions using Computer Aided Kinematics (CAK) through CAD software CATIA. The components of the mechanisms are assembled and simulated for the desired control surface deflection for a given movement of yoke / pedal. The variations noticed in the simulations were dealt with appropriate dimensional modifications on the components through the application of CAK. Further, through CAK simulations the authors have shown that the optimum dimensions of the components of the mechanism for satisfactory performance can be achieved