Monitoring in smart torque-summed actuators

This paper addresses fault detection and fault isolation in single-type torque-summed architecture. The analysis is based around a 4-lane actuation system capable of driving aerodynamic and inertial loads (with 2 lanes failed) of an aileron control surface similar to that of the Sea Harrier. The paper describes the lanes and the dedicated embed microprocessor/s that performs the control and monitoring tasks. The proposed fault detection and fault isolation in a hardware-cross monitoring architecture will be examined and the impact of local actuator response to failures on the overall aircraft response in roll and roll rate will be examined. The paper will conclude that the current design meets the local and global system requirements.