Multi-Axis Active Vibration Damping Using Electric Rotor Torque with Pitch-Lag Coupling in eVTOL Aircraft: Demonstration of Concept

doi:10.4050/F-0081-2025-0399

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Multi-Axis Active Vibration Damping Using Electric Rotor Torque with Pitch-Lag Coupling in eVTOL Aircraft: Demonstration of Concept

Alexei Severnyak, Edward Smith, Christopher Rahn, Pennsylvania State University

https://doi.org/10.4050/F-0081-2025-0399

Abstract:
Active vibration damping by rotor torque modulation has been demonstrated for vibratory modes in the rotor disk plane. In this study, we introduce a simple, first-principles model, which includes kinematic coupling between lag movement and blade pitch, in order to extend damping authority to strut vibratory modes normal to the rotor disk plane. Using a medium-sized (12kg) quadcopter drone model, we demonstrate the capability to excite strut vibrations normal to the rotor disk plane, indicating control authority for vibration damping. For this vehicle model, a steady state strut deflection of over 12% is obtained using a 15% voltage perturbation, with under 2% rotor speed change. Redesign of the vehicle to have lower and/or co-located lag and structural frequencies increases the control authority of rotor torque actuation with pitch-lag coupling.