Safeguard high-value, one-of-a-kind aerospace test articles from dangerous unplanned unloading during complex and dynamic structural testing involving dozens - even hundreds - of hydraulic test actuators.
Active Control & Abort (AC&A) is a next-generation safety solution designed to provide premium protection for high-value test articles during multi-channel aerospace structural testing. The AC&A solution combines advanced FlexTest controllers and AeroPro software with a network of locally placed signal hubs and actuator-mounted smart valves to ensure precise loading during normal operations, and controlled unloading of all actuators during emergencies. In the event of a power failure or system interlock, AC&A orchestrates the synchronized, uniform release of hydraulic loads across all actuators - without the need for system controller intervention. Engineered for seamless integration with MTS DuraGlide test actuators, AC&A delivers a validated, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution for safeguarding one-of-a-kind aerospace structural test articles.
When an interlock condition is detected, the AC&A system isolates test actuators from hydraulic power and shifts the rig from flow control (Q Mode), governed by system controller, to pressure control (P Mode), which is driven by the distributed, actuator-mounted smart valves. The smart valves read pressure transducer data and calculate differential pressures for all actuators, then use these calculated loads to execute a uniform, synchronized ramp to zero load in 5-15 seconds.
When an interlock condition is detected, the AC&A system isolates test actuators from hydraulic power and shifts the rig from flow control (Q Mode), governed by system controller, to pressure control (P Mode), which is driven by the distributed, actuator-mounted smart valves. The smart valves read pressure transducer data and calculate differential pressures for all actuators, then use these calculated loads to execute a uniform, synchronized ramp to zero load in 5-15 seconds.
Active Control & Abort (AC&A) System Components:
AC&A Smart Valves use real-time pressure data to calculate and manage differential pressure for each actuator independently, ensuring precise load control and safe pressure release during interlocks. Available in a variety of flow rates up to 40 LPM, they mount directly to MTS Duraglide actuators in any orientation. Built for durability and long life, AC&A valves are rated to 3000 psi and tested to 28 million cycles.
Compact, locally placed AC&A Signal Hubs provide 24V power to smart valve isolation solenoids and electronics, and have the capacity to support up to 8 actuators per hub. Integrated health monitoring provides real-time valve diagnostics and fault detection, and an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) ensures safe unloading during power failures.
The AC&A solution is designed to operate exclusively with MTS' FlexTest Controllers and AeroPro Software. Versatile FlexTest digital controllers deliver higher speeds and channel densities to keep pace with evolving test demands, and feature common hardware boards and user interface tools, simplifying test standardization and optimization. Productivity-enhancing AeroPro software features an integrated control and data acquisition user interface and an arsenal of control loop optimization tools to accelerate even the most complex structural tests.
The AC&A solution integrates seamlessly with MTS DuraGlide Linear Hydraulic Test Actuators, which are engineered to meet the unique precision and dependability demands of aerospace structural testing. Featuring MTS SureCoat™ Rod Finishing Technology, they deliver longer performance life, higher test fidelity and increased energy efficiency.
