Helicopter Roll-Axis Instabilities induced by Pilot Cyclic Control

A Physical Explanation

Journal Article (2018)
Author(s)

Marilena Pavel (TU Delft - Control & Simulation)

A Ionita (National Institute of Aerospace Research “ELIE CARAFOLI” - INCAS)

Copyright
© 2018 M.D. Pavel, A Ionita
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.13111/2066-8201.2018.10.3.12
More Info
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Publication Year
2018
Language
English
Copyright
© 2018 M.D. Pavel, A Ionita
Issue number
3
Volume number
10
Pages (from-to)
139-156
Reuse Rights

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Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to give a basic understanding of the mechanisms through which pilot cyclic inputs in lateral cyclic interacts with high-order rotor dynamics destabilizing the helicopter roll motion. The paper will use a “Newtonian formulation” representing the main forces acting on the airframe body-rotor system as the pilot applies his/her control. It will be demonstrated that pilot lateral controls applied through his/her arm (which may involve also pilot biodynamics, i.e. the dynamics of pilot neuromuscular inputs and contraction dynamics of his/her muscles) may excite much higher-order frequency rotor dynamics than thought at the present.