Anca Gheorghe

A Model-based Solution to Robust and Early Detection of Control Surface Runaways

This paper discusses the design of a model-based fault detection scheme for robust and early detection of runaways in aircraft control surfaces servo-loop. The proposed scheme can be embedded within the structure of in-service monitoring systems as a part of the Flight Control Computer (FCC) software. The final goal is to contribute to improve the performance detection of unanticipated runaway faulty profiles having very different dynamic behaviors, while retaining a perfect robustness. The paper discusses also the tradeoffs between adequacy of the technique and its implementation level, industrial validation process with Engineering support tools, as well as the tuning aspects. The proposed methodology is based on a combined data-driven and system-based approach using a dedicated Kalman filtering. The technique provides an effective method ensuring robustness and good performance (well-defined real-time characteristics and well-defined error rates). Simulation results, using In-flight recorded data sets provided by Airbus, are presented to demonstrate the potential of the developed technique.

Parametric Approach to Fault Detection in Aircraft Control Surfaces

THE required technological advances identified by the aeronautics sector to achieve the long-term goals of greener aviation are multiple and challenging. New technological options will be needed to produce incrementally more efficient and environmentally friendlier aircraft. The early and robust detection of faults that have an influence on structural loads contribute to the overall optimization of aircraft design, and therefore to weight savings for better overall performance in terms of fuel burn, noise, range, and environmental footprint.