The project began with the definition of specifications for the new linear TR actuator, and after the first 18 months the design of the prototype to be built and validated within the project has been completed. The main tasks carried out in that period were, basically:
- Define the specifications: analyse the specifications of the real application, identify those that can be met within the project timeframe, that aims reaching TRL4, and evaluate how to ensure that a future version to be used in real aircraft meets all the other specifications.
- Design the linear motor integrated into the actuator: analyse the state of the art of electric linear motors and identifying suitable motor types for this application; then carry out preliminary designs to further evaluate these types and select the candidate to be developed in the project; and finally, design the motor in detail and optimise it to meet the performance and integration requirements.
- Design the complete actuator: identify the necessary elements apart from the motor, include the systems for locking the mechanism and for its manual operation for maintenance work, and the motor guidance system; then carry out a preliminary design of these; and finally, their optimisation and detailed design.
After designing LiTRAS actuator, the next period of the Project has been devoted to manufacture a real scale prototype, and validate it through experimental tests in a test-bench applying the same force loads that would be in the real aircraft.
The main activities carried out in this period are, basically:
- Manufacture the parts, and purchase commercial elements. One of the most challenging tasks has been the design for manufacturing of the motor slider frame, because it is a very slender part and needs to be very flat in order to assure motor airgap uniformity all along its active length.
- Assemble the prototype. Particularly delicate is the assembly of the different parts because there is huge magnetic attraction between the magnets and the stators of the motor. A specific bench has been prepared to carry out the assembly.
- Prepare the test bench.
- Realize the experimental tests. Test results correlate well with the theoretical ones, thus the prototype is validated.
On the dissemination side several activities have been performed:
- Communication about LITRAS project on the partners' website and social networks (Twitter, LinkedIn).
- Two videos have been produced and made public through different channels (mainly by Youtube). One of the videos uses animated cartoons, and its aim is to present the ambition of the LITRAS project to the general public. The other video uses real images of the project and speeches by the project partners, and aims to convey more technical aspects of the project to an audience with more industrial or scientific knowledge.
- Scientific dissemination by presenting a technical paper about the linear motor on the 13th Coiltech 2022 conference (Italy, 2022, September 28-29) and submitting to the next R3ASC conference that will be held in September 2023 an abstract about the design and test of the LiTRAS actuator.
- Participation in aeronautics’ sector exhibition Feindef 2021 (Madrid, Spain), where CESA introduced LITRAS project with the professionals from industry, academia, etc. who visited CESA’s stand.
Identified Key Exploitable Results:
1. Linear innovative TR Actuator System (LiTRAS) concept.
2. Linear motor for high demanding environment.
