213SE AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (HYDRAULICS)

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 2014/2015 (RESIT) - SOLUTIONS

The Boeing 707 has 10 leading edge slats on each wing similar to the one
shown in Figure 1a. 5 of the 10 slats are located outboard of each outboards
nacelle and 5 between the nacelles. The 5 outboard slats are each actuated by
two double acting, single ended linear hydraulic actuators (one at each end).

Figure 1a: Leading Edge Slat Diagram

Explain why each slat has 2 actuators to provide its hydraulic power?
a)

(2 marks)

In case of failure in one. The two will be connected to two different

hydraulic systems on the aircraft and so if one system fails, there will
still be power provided.
(2)

b)

Using Figure 1b, determine the ultimate critical buckling load that each actuator
is capable of withstanding if a=450 mm and b=550 mm . Both the rod and
the cylinder are made from the same material with a Youngs Modulus of
11

2.2 10 Nm

Cylinder Outer Diameter=50 mm

Using the given equation for I and remembering to subtract the I

values of the inner diameters from the outer diameters
(1)
I1 = 2.06 x 10-8 m4
I2 = 1.06 x 10-7 m4
(2)

213SE AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (HYDRAULICS)

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 2014/2015 (RESIT) - SOLUTIONS

Cylinder Bore Diameter =45 mm

Rod Outer Diameter =30 mm
Rod Inner Diameter=25 mm

I=

d
64

E is the same for both so E1I1/E2I2 = 0.194

(1)
b/L = 0.55
(1)
So from the chart Le/LT = 0.83 and so Le = 830 mm

(1)
Assume that an actuator is pinned at both ends so k = 1
(1)

k 2 EI
Fcirt =
2
L

Therefore F = 64.9 kN
(1)
(9 marks)

Utlimate = 2 times for aircraft = 130 kN

(1)

213SE AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (HYDRAULICS)

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 2014/2015 (RESIT) - SOLUTIONS

Figure 1b: Equivalent length Le, for a strut constant section (E1I1) to
replace a stepped strut

213SE AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (HYDRAULICS)

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 2014/2015 (RESIT) - SOLUTIONS

The table below shows a number of different materials.

c)

Material
Low Alloy Steel
Aluminium Alloy
Carbon Fibre composite

Ultimate Tensile Stress

MPa
964
304
845

Already been told E = 220 GPa so must be the low alloy steel
Youngs Modulus
GPa
220
73.2
153

Using the information you already have, choose the correct material for
the cylinder and (using thin cylinder theory) determine the ultimate hoop
stress for this cylinder and comment on whether the material is a safe
choice.
Assume that the maximum internal pressure in the cylinder is 207 bar.

PdL Pd

2 Lt
2t (1)
(1)

So by substituting the numbers (and working out that t = 2.5 mm)

hoop stress = 207 MPa.
(2)
Ultimate Stress is twice that so = 414 MPa
(1)
Yes it is safe as the ultimate stress it will encounter is way below the
material limit of 964 MPa
(1)

(6 marks)
Explain why is the rod hollow?
d)

(3 marks)

The rod is hollow to try and save weight (1). AS long as it can still
withstand the fluid pressures (1) it is under, the rod does not need to
be solid (1).

(5 marks)

Essentially two-state devices, e.g. airbrakes are either IN or OUT (1)

Explain the basic function of an actuator.

e)

Commanded to one or other of the states by

mechanical demand direct rod, lever or cable connection

from a pilot control lever (1)
electrical demand solenoid or motor that is operated byb the
pilot or a computer output (1)

213SE AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (HYDRAULICS)

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS 2014/2015 (RESIT) - SOLUTIONS

The demand moves a valve that allows hydraulic fluid (at pressure to
enter the actuator and move the ram in either direction (1)
Signal the position potentiometer, micro-switches at each end of
travel (1)