This thesis contributes to the state of the art in integrated design of insect-scale piezoelectric actuated flapping wing vehicles through the development of novel theoretical models for flapping wing aerodynamics and piezoelectric actuator dynamics, and integration of these models into a closed form design process. A comprehensive literature review of available engineered designs of miniature rotary and flapping wing vehicles is provided. A novel taxonomy based on wing and actuator kinematics is proposed as an effective means of classifying the large variation of vehicle configurations currently under development. The most successful insect-scale vehicles developed to date have used piezoelectric actuation, system resonance for motion amplification, and passive wing pitching. A novel analytical treatment is proposed to quantify induced power losses in normal hover that accounts for the effects of non uniform downwash, wake periodicity and effective flapping disc area. Two different quasi-steady aerodynamic modelling approaches are undertaken, one based on blade element analysis and one based on lifting line theory. Both approaches are explicitly linked to the underlying flow physics and, unlike a number of competing approaches, do not require empirical data. Models have been successfully validated against experimental and numerical data from the literature. These models have allowed improved insight into the role of the wing leading-edge vortex in lift augmentation and quantification of the comparative contributions of induced and profile drag for insect-like wings in hover. Theoretical aerodynamic analysis has been used to identify a theoretical solution for the optimum planform for a flapping wing in terms of chord and twist as a function of span. It is shown that an untwisted elliptical planform minimises profile power, whereas a more highly tapered design such as that found on a hummingbird minimises induced power. Aero-optimum wing kinematics for hovering are also assessed. It is shown that for efficient flight the flapping velocity should be constant whereas for maximum effectiveness the flapping velocity should be sinusoidal. For both cases, the wing pitching at stroke reversal should be as rapid as possible. A dynamic electromechanical model of piezoelectric bending actuators has been developed and validated against data obtained from experiments undertaken as part of this thesis. An expression for the electromechanical coupling factor (EMCF) is extracted from the analytical model and is used to understand the influence of actuator design variables on actuator performance. It is found that the variation in EMCF with design variables is similar for both static and dynamic operation, however for light damping the dynamic EMCF will typically be an order of magnitude greater than for static operation. Theoretical contributions to aerodynamic and electromechanical modelling are integrated into a low order design method for propulsion system sizing. The method is unique in that aside from mass fraction estimation, the underlying models are fully physics based. The transparency of the design method provides the designer with clear insight into effects of changing core design variables such as the maximum flapping amplitude, wing mass, transmission ratio, piezoelectric characteristics on the overall design solution. Whilst the wing mass is only around 10% of the actuator mass, the effective wing mass is 16 times the effective actuator mass for a typical transmission ratio of 10 and hence the wing mass dominates the inertial contribution to the system dynamics. For optimum aerodynamic effectiveness and efficiency it is important to achieve high flapping amplitudes, however this is typically limited by the maximum allowable field strength of the piezoelectric material used in the actuator.

Ce mémoire de thèse s'inscrit dans le cadre du programme « avion plus électrique », il comprend deux parties.La première est consacrée à la présentation détaillée du contexte, c'est-à-dire du processus qui conduit à électrifier la plupart des systèmes présents dans l'avion, un exemple d'actionneur électromécanique spécifique, conçu dans ce cadre sera aussi détaillé notamment pour ce qui concerne son mode d'alimentation. La seconde partie, plus longue, est consacrée à différents processus de fiabilisation de structures d'électroniques de puissance. Du fait de l'électrification croissante de l'avion, ces structures vont se multiplier à bord, mais la fiabilité connue de ces dispositifs n'est pas apte à satisfaire aux exigences de l'aéronautique. Les processus de fiabilisation, dans leur majorité, sont orientés, en cas de panne, vers un isolement de la source du défaut, pour permettre un fonctionnement en mode dégradé, supporté par le système. Par ailleurs, un dispositif de sécurisation de bras d'onduleur est décrit : un sectionneur commandé à thyristors et fusible (SCTF2). Ce système permet d'isoler électriquement le bras d'onduleur victime d'un défaut au sein d'un onduleur triphasé. L'emplacement de prédilection du SCTF2 est la connexion bras d'onduleur et bus continu d'alimentation. Les simulations de ce système de fiabilisation sont menées sur PSIM. Ce mémoire propose des modélisations approchées, pour l'outil de CAO adopté, des composants IGBT et fusibles, lorsque ces derniers sont soumis à un régime de courant extrême (court-circuit). / This manuscript of thesis was written in two parts for the "More Electric Aircraft" program. The first part presents in great detail the context of the thesis that is (i.e) the processes which allow electrifying the most of classic aircraft-systems. In this part, an example of special electromechanical actuator build in the More Electric aircraft program will be presented with meticulous care, in particular its command and supply systems. The second part, more extensive, is devoted to various solutions which improve the reliability of the power-electric systems. With the growth of the electrification of the aircrafts, several solutions of this kind will be multiplicated on board, but today most of these solutions haven't the reliability intended to the aeronautical applications. For the most part, the reliability processes consist in isolating the origins of a breakdown, in order that the system can continue to work in a debased mode. In addition, a system which protects inverter's legs is described; it's a controlled circuit breaker which uses thyristors and fuses (SCTF2). This system of reliability allows electrical isolating of faulty inverter's leg in a three phase inverter. The preferential position of a SCTF2 is the connexion between inverter's leg and the DC bus. Simulations of the SCTF2 are done on PSIM software. For PSIM, this manuscript poposes some approximative modelisations of the components like IGBT and fuse when they are subjected to a dangerous high-current (short-circuit).

We are pleased to present the conference proceedings for the 12th edition of the International Fluid Power Conference (IFK). The IFK is one of the world’s most significant scientific conferences on fluid power control technology and systems. It offers a common platform for the presentation and discussion of trends and innovations to manufacturers, users and scientists. The Chair of Fluid-Mechatronic Systems at the TU Dresden is organizing and hosting the IFK for the sixth time. Supporting hosts are the Fluid Power Association of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), Dresdner Verein zur Förderung der Fluidtechnik e. V. (DVF) and GWT-TUD GmbH. The organization and the conference location alternates every two years between the Chair of Fluid-Mechatronic Systems in Dresden and the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems in Aachen. The symposium on the first day is dedicated to presentations focused on methodology and fundamental research. The two following conference days offer a wide variety of application and technology orientated papers about the latest state of the art in fluid power. It is this combination that makes the IFK a unique and excellent forum for the exchange of academic research and industrial application experience. A simultaneously ongoing exhibition offers the possibility to get product information and to have individual talks with manufacturers. The theme of the 12th IFK is “Fluid Power – Future Technology”, covering topics that enable the development of 5G-ready, cost-efficient and demand-driven structures, as well as individual decentralized drives. Another topic is the real-time data exchange that allows the application of numerous predictive maintenance strategies, which will significantly increase the availability of fluid power systems and their elements and ensure their improved lifetime performance. We create an atmosphere for casual exchange by offering a vast frame and cultural program. This includes a get-together, a conference banquet, laboratory festivities and some physical activities such as jogging in Dresden’s old town.:Group 1 | 2: Digital systems Group 3: Novel displacement machines Group 4: Industrial applications Group 5: Components Group 6: Predictive maintenance Group 7: Electro-hydraulic actuators / Der Download des Gesamtbandes wird erst nach der Konferenz ab 15. Oktober 2020 möglich sein.:Group 1 | 2: Digital systems Group 3: Novel displacement machines Group 4: Industrial applications Group 5: Components Group 6: Predictive maintenance Group 7: Electro-hydraulic actuators

This diploma thesis deals with automatization technology by B&R Automation Company. CANopen protocol is used for communication and control design of actuator part of omni-directional mobile robot. The control algorithms are implemented for compact PLC automata X20 series. The PLC X20 communicates with PC by means of Ethernet TCP/IP protocol. There are four motion control patterns implemented. The robot uses three IclA D065 actuators. This research has been supported by the Czech Ministry of Education in the frame of MSM 0021630529 Research Intention Inteligent Systems in Automation.

This diploma thesis deals with the mechanical proposal of hydraulic puller. Furthermore, it includes the detail design solutions. The project also includes the calculation of the hydraulic puller parameters: maximum pushing force is 60 kN, speed of movement is 0.1 m s-1. This work also contains of stress analysis FEM with I-DEAS software. Following part deals with the design of hydraulic circuit for driving puller. At the end of work there are options for replacements of hydraulic puller by mechanical systems.

This work describes exceptional properties of McKibben pneumatical muscle and introduces its state-of-the-art model. The mathematical model is extended especially in a field of a thermodymical behavior. A new model applies a method used for describing of a thermodynamical behavior of pneumatic cylinders until now. This method is significantly upgraded to fit a muscle behavior, particularly by considering a heat generated by a muscle internal natural friction. The model is than verified and discussed with a real system. The haptic part introduces a development and design of a haptic glove interface for the use in robotics, especially in telepresence, or in VR. The force and touch feedback is provided by Pneumatic Muscles controlled by an open loop algorithm using the introduced mathematical model. The design is light and compact.

La capacité de réaliser des tâches robotiques dextres à l'échelle nanométrique dans un microscope électronique à balayage (MEB) est un enjeu crucial pour les nanotechnologies. Les systèmes nano-robotiques dédiés à des applications sous MEB ont ainsi émergé dans de nombreux laboratoires de robotique. Ils peuvent être composés d'un ou de plusieurs actionneurs intégrés à des plateformes nano-robotiques avec un ou plusieurs effecteurs. L’actionneur Piézoélectrique Stick-Slip (PSS) est l'un des meilleurs candidats pour actionner les systèmes nano-robotiques dédiés à des applications sous MEB car il est capable d'effectuer un positionnement grossier avec une plage de déplacement millimétrique et un positionnement précis avec une plage de déplacement de quelques micromètres. La modélisation des actionneurs PSS est complexe notamment en raison de leur mode de fonctionnement hybride. La commande est également difficile à cause de plusieurs caractéristiques liées aux actionneurs PSS, soient le frottement, l’hystérésis et les vibrations non-amorties, qui dégradent leur performances en termes de précision et de vitesse. Ce travail porte sur la modélisation et la commande d'un système nano-robotique à 3 axes dédié à des applications sous MEB et actionné par des actionneurs piézoélectriques de type stick-slip. Chaque élément et caractéristique des actionneurs PSS ont été analysés et modélisés afin d’établir par la suite un modèle dynamique complet capable de décrire les deux modes de fonctionnement, à savoir le mode balayage et pas à pas. Pour chacun de ces deux modes, des lois de commande ont ainsi été développées pour les actionneurs PSS. Des stratégies de commande robuste ont été synthétisées pour des objectifs de positionnement rapide et à haute résolution en mode balayage. De telles performances sont fondamentales dans plusieurs tâches micro-/nano-robotique tels que le nano-assemblage rapide et précis et la nano-caractérisation des matériaux. Une commande proportionnelle en fréquence et en amplitude est synthétisée pour effectuer un déplacement millimétrique en mode pas à pas. Ceci est motivé par les applications robotiques pour lesquelles une large plage de déplacement est requise, tels que le scan de grandes surfaces et les phases d’approche d’une sonde d’un échantillon à manipuler. Une stratégie de commutation qui combine les modes balayage et pas à pas, est alors proposée pour remédier au manque de précision en mode pas à pas, lors de passage d’un grand à un petit déplacement. Ce travail a donné lieu à des résultats qui ouvrent de nouvelles perspectives pour l'utilisation des actionneurs PSS dans les systèmes nano-robotiques dédiés à des applications sous MEB. / The capability of doing dexterous robotic tasks at the nanometer scale inside a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a critical issue for nanotechnologies. SEM-integrated nano-robotic systems have consequently emerged in many robotics laboratories. They can be composed of one or more actuators assembled into nano-robotic platforms with one or several effectors. Piezoelectric Stick-Slip (PSS) actuators is one of the best candidate to actuate SEM-integrated nano-robotic systems because it is able to perform coarse positioning with millimeter displacement range and fine positioning with travel range of few micrometers. Modeling of PSS actuators is complex and difficult mainly because of their hybrid operating mode. Furthermore, control is challenging due to several characteristics related to PSS actuators, namely friction, hysteresis and undamped vibrations, which degrade their performance in terms of precision and speed. This work deals with modeling and control of a 3-axes SEM integrated nano-robotic system driven by piezoelectric stick-slip actuators. Each element and characteristic of PSS actuators are analyzed and modeled to thereafter establish a complete dynamic model able to describe the two functioning modes, namely the scanning and the stepping modes. PSS actuators are then controlled in each of these modes. Robust control strategies are developed to achieve high-resolution and fast positioning in scanning mode. Such performance is fundamental in several micro/nano-robotic tasks such as fast and accurate nano-assembly and nano-material characterization. A frequency/amplitude proportional controller is designed to perform millimeter displacement in stepping mode. This is motivated by robotic tasks where large motion is required, such as large surfaces scan and bringing a probe close to a sample to manipulate. A switched strategy, which combines scanning and stepping motion modes, is then proposed to remedy to the lack of precision in stepping motion, when passing from a large to a small displacement. This work has given rise to results which open new perspectives to the use of PSS actuators in SEM integrated nano-robotic systems.

Future more electric aircraft (MEA) architectures require a new generation of power-by-wire actuators, e.g. Electro Hydrostatic Actuators (EHA). These units have to be capable of frontline operation of safety critical flight control surfaces over the entire aircraft life. Prove of robustness becomes a challenging objective. This paper illustrates the Liebherr-Aerospace EHA technology as well as methods for validation of robustness. It gives an insight regarding the design of a robust piston pump.

The UAE Pavilion will be a major attraction at Expo 2020 in Dubai. The roof of the building consists of 28 operable wings made of carbon and glass fiber, having masses ranging from 5 to 18 tons and total lengths in the range of 30 to 65 m that have to be actuated by a dedicated mechanism. In this paper we present the turn-key project for the design, manufacturing, installation, test and commissioning of the Roof Wing Opening System, which represents a unique system world-wide for operating the wings. It consists of one Hydraulic Power Unit with approximately 1 MW of installed power, 2 km of piping working at the nominal pressure of 210 bar, 46 hydraulic cylinders with 1.5 tons of mass each and the complete automation and control subsystem that includes 9 separate PLCs, dedicated software, 2.000 sensors and control points, and over 20 km of harness. One major challenge is the control of the wings. Part of them, due to their huge dimensions and masses, are actuated using two or three hydraulic cylinders that have to be properly synchronized during the movement, preventing unwanted displacements in order to avoid stresses on the wing mechanical structure and ultimately permanent damages. Due to the nature of the project, a final validation of the control algorithms can be done only at system level during the commissioning phase. Therefore, particular care has to be devoted to the verification strategy, anticipating the behavior of the system in the early validation stages and following a V-model approach, in order to identify critical situations and reduce the overall risk. After a brief system description, we will explain how the verification has been approached by using system level simulations and dedicated testing activities on specific subsystems. In particular, we will detail the verification of the control algorithms that has been performed on a dedicated Hardware-Inthe- Loop system first, followed then by dedicated tests on a reduced wing mock-up, allowing the study of the system behavior under the most critical conditions. These include the application of external forces with specified profiles. Finally, we will provide the actual status of the system installation, testing and commissioning activities that have been running in Dubai since January 2019.

Multifunctional Dielectric Elastomer (DE) devices are well established as actuators, sensors and energy harvesters. Since the invention of the Dielectric Elastomer Switch (DES), a piezoresistive electrode that can directly switch charge on and off, it has become possible to expand the wide functionality of DE structures even more. We show the application of fully soft DE subcomponents in biomimetic robotic structures. It is now possible to couple arrays of actuator/switch units together so that they switch charge between themselves on and off. One can then build DE devices that operate as self-controlled oscillators. With an oscillator one can produce a periodic signal that controls a soft DE robot { a DE device with its own DE nervous system. DESs were fabricated using a special electrode mixture, and imprinting technology at an exact pre-strain. We have demonstrated six orders of magnitude change in conductivity within the DES over 50% strain. The control signal can either be a mechanical deformation from another DE or an electrical input to a connected dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). We have demonstrated a variety of fully soft multifunctional subcomponents that enable the design of autonomous soft robots without conventional electronics. The combination of digital logic structures for basic signal processing, data storage in dielectric elastomer ip-ops and digital and analogue clocks with adjustable frequencies, made of dielectric elastomer oscillators (DEOs), enables fully soft, self-controlled and electronics-free robotic structures. DE robotic structures to date include stiff frames to maintain necessary pre-strains enabling sufficient actuation of DEAs. Here we present a design and production technology for a first robotic structure consisting only of soft silicones and carbon black.