Mlcro-Computer/Parallel Processlng For Real Time Testing Of Gas Turblne Control Systems

S. P. Roth & L. A. Celiberti

Controls Engineering Engineering Division Pratt & Whitney West Palm Beach. Florida Abstract The role that digital electronics have played in controlling gas turbine engines has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. They have evolved from simple turbine temperature limiters in the 1960s to the present day redundant, full authority, electronic control systems for highly integrated, Advanced Aircraft with thrust vectoringlreversing capability. This trend towards increasing complexity. has imposed significant demands and challenges on the development and verification process of digital electronic control hardware and software. To keep pace, more sophisticated support equipment is needed to provide a realistic test environment. This equipment must realistically emulate the electro-mechanical interfaces. hydromechanical control components. jet engine process and flight control interfaces, to facilitate early conceptual design evaluations including flight control integration and flight testing.
4 '

Figure 1 illustrates the many areas that interact, and must be considered, to derive the maximum benefits from control integration. Flight and engine simulations must have an acceptable ievei of fidelity to properly explore the system interactions. The various control systems will communicate by digital (optic or electronic) data links that must be structured to allow timely and accurate exchange of critical information without overburdening the entire aircraft computer system. Maintenance and Diagnostics need to be facilitated by the use of common secondary power for electrical and hydraulic power. This avoids component duplication and allows total flight control system and propulsion control system checkout with common ground test equipment. For designers to produce a reliable, integrated system design, coordinated development processes and integrated test support systems will be required.
System Architecture
Redundancy

Pratt & Whitnev (P&WI has successfullv develooed an Experlmentat .Multi-processor Real .Time 'Engine Simulation System that meets these needs. This system is now being used to verify the Full Authority Digital Electronic Controls (FADEC's) for fufure engines. The next logical step is establishing facilities that support flight and propulsion control system integration and fault tolerance studies. This paper presents the evolution, design and use of these microprocessor based real time simulation benches at P&W and the role thev will . , In the develooment and olav ~. test of integrated flight and propulsion control systems for future advanced aircraft.
~~ ~

Integrated Loqic/Modes

1 Management

Integrated Flight and Propulsion

Flight/Engine

Simulations

MaintenaW-3

and Diagnoskx

Pilot Interface

Communication Links

Figure 1.

Areas of Integrated Control Activities

lntroductlon The trends towards increasing control complexity and emphasis on flightlpropulsion system integration. have imposed slgnlficant challenges on the development process of both flight and propulsion control hardware and software. Future weapon systems such as Advanced Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) aircraft wiii require a greater degree of coordination between aircraft and engine control designers to achieve the necessary levels of integration.
"Copyright @ 1987 by PEW. Published by t h e .Pmerican I i i s F i t u t e of,,Aeronautics and A s t r o n a u t i c s , I n c . w i t h permission.
1

The development process for such advanced integrated aircraft flight and propulsion control systems will be carried out by the airframe and engine designers working interactively and in parallel. This approach is needed to ensure that the best performance of the complete aircraft system is realized. The design interactions are important and must be addressed during the preliminary anafysis through development testing and final qualification. Advancements In microprocessor technology and modeling techniques are providing the control system designers with much greater and more economical simulation capabilities to properly support this