High speed, amplitude variable thrust control

Details High speed, amplitude variable thrust control High speed, amplitude variable thrust control

1992-04-24

1993-12-21

Bertsch, Richard A.

Power plants

Reaction motor

Condition responsive thrust varying means

60258, 2391022, 2511292, F02K 300

Patent

active

052712265

ABSTRACT:
A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a co-fired piezoelectric stack connected with a control signal input, a low-loss mechanical displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure spring-loaded axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system are utilized to provide a calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly is connected with the amplifier and includes a valve core which is normally forced closed upon a valve seat by a compression spring. As the piezoelectric stack expands upon application of a step change in voltage, the valve core is lifted off the seat permitting fluid to expand through the seat and create thrust that is substantially equal in duration and directly proportional in amplitude to the control signal.

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