ATGI Active Balance System
The specific problem addressed by this project relates to the unique feature of the JSF’s Short Take-off Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. The STOVL configuration, depicted in Figure 1, uses flexible couplings at each end of the lift fan drive shaft. These couplings allow for misalignment in the system but can cause imbalance.
Figure 1. - JSF with Shaft driven lift fan
Over time, these imbalances can cause fatigue and deformation of the drive shaft. Having the capability to actively adjust the rotational dynamics of the drive shaft can reduce the stress and essentially eliminate wear and vibration concerns. This will reduce the need to perform time-consuming maintenance and thereby reduce the cost of ownership.
The current lift system design requires the drive shaft to rotate at an extremely high rate, between 5,000-8,500 rotations per minute (rpm). This results in maximum velocities of approximately 5 inch/sec at the clutch coupling and 4 inch/sec at the engine fan coupling. The shaft is also required to transfer nearly 28,000 shaft-HP to the clutch and lift fan. Though there has been limited research into such a system, it is expected that the benefits of the ATGI Solid State Lightweight Active Balance Powered-by-light (SLAP) system would be substantial.
Figure 2.
- SLAP System Diagram having the following color-coded modules
- Display module communication module vibration detect module
- Processing module power supply module balance actuator module
Performance Assessment Module
(Figure 2) SLAP system diagram having the following color-coded modules
- Display module
- Communication module
- Vibration detect module
- Processing module
- Power supply module
- Balance actuator module
- Performance assessment module
Without SLAP With ATGI SLAPProduct Sheet
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