RESULTS FROM THE DYNAMICALLY TAILORED AIRFRAME STRUCTURES PROGRAM

The Dynamically Tailored Airframe Structures (DTAS) program is a cooperative Technology Investment Agreement focused on developing energy-efficient, smart-structure approaches to alter the frequency response of rotorcraft primary airframe structures. Three concepts were downselected for fabrication and testing: Smart Link, Adaptive Stiffness Floor Mount, and Amplified Active Floor Mount. The Smart Link demonstrated an ultra-stiff mount with the capability to cancel 99.4% of blade-passage frequency vibration. The adaptive stiffness floor mount showed the feasibility of low-power, lightweight means to adaptively reduce vibration transmitted to cargo or troops/passengers. The amplified active floor mount demonstrated piezoelectric ability to provide high-precision vibration control with minimal power. All three concepts showed high potential to significantly reduce vibrations throughout the occupied cabin. Further, the technology developed is transportable across rotorcraft platforms. The final evaluation and refinement, which is under way, is expected to enhance the potential for active detuning of airframe structures.