Analysis of electric motor alternatives for Primary Flight Surface Actuators

Abstract

This paper presents different electric motor solutions integrated in primary flight surface actuators for aircraft applications in the field of the so called ‘More Electric Aircraft’ research and development. In particular, the motors have been designed and analyzed with a finite-element study, considering the most severe working-points in terms of thermal conditions and aerodynamic load torque demand, aiming to predict both the performance and the degradation. In addition, magnet-free motor solutions with fault-tolerant capabilities towards possible magnet demagnetization are investigated and compared in the same critical conditions. The comparison between the different motor typologies is carried out considering the thermal issues, the behavior of the motor with respect to the faults, the electromagnetic performances, and the necessity to have a market competitive product.