Motion control in simulation testing, navigation, and steering for the space industry presents several unique challenges. Exposure to extreme temperature, immense mechanical stresses, and a need for near-exact precision are only a few of these that need to be overcome to ensure mission success.
A core component used in various stages of space travel is the electrohydraulic servo valve. Aerospace servo valves are used to electronically control the flow of hydraulic fluid to actuators, which are in turn used to control the mechanical movement of components in various systems. The design of aerospace servo valves provides the incredible precision needed for mission-critical procedures, as well as the reliability and durability required for the rigours of space travel.
In this article, we take a look at some key applications of servo valves for motion control in space.
Testing and Simulation
Spacecraft undergo extreme mechanical stresses in regular use, due to excessive vibrations and dynamic accelerations. That is why testing and simulation of spacecraft are vital aspects of ensuring the success of space-travel projects. Testing and simulation on the ground allow the dynamic stresses of space travel to be replicated, to see how spacecraft components and systems react. This allows manufacturers to identify any faults, defects, or weak points that could lead to critical failures in space travel.
Hydraulic test rigs are often used to provide linear actuation and manipulate a system in various ways to simulate real-life conditions. These rigs can replicate complex, dynamic scenarios and stresses, allowing manufacturers to ensure the reliability of their systems. Servo valves are typically used to control these hydraulic test rigs and create highly accurate physical models of conditions in space, offering the necessary precision, power, and speed.
Thrust Vector Control (TVC)
Thrust vector control involves manipulating the direction of thrust from engines to control the trajectory of the space vehicle. There are a variety of ways of manipulating thrust direction, with gimballed thrusters being the most common method used in space flight. In these systems, rocket engines or exhaust nozzles are physically moved to alter the thrust direction.
Servo valves play a critical role in thrust vector control systems by providing high-precision flow control to the hydraulic actuators that control the thrust vectors. These valves offer the precision, power, and response time needed to make the necessary fine-grain adjustments.
Landing Gear
Landing gear is a crucial component of any aerospace vehicle. This is especially true for spacecraft, which have excessive acceleration forces, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. Landing-gear systems must be able to operate reliably and precisely, even under these extreme conditions.
Servo valves often provide the precise hydraulic control required for safe deployment and retraction. Their advanced design ensures they are durable and can operate reliably and precisely, even under the extreme conditions of space travel.
Revolutionising the Servo Valve
Hydraulic solutions are competing with electromechanical solutions. Due to the inefficiencies of hydraulic systems, electromechanical solutions are often preferred. At Domin, we believe that hydraulics can be designed with power densities and efficiencies that far outperform fully electrical systems, we address the faults and pitfalls associated with hydraulic servo valves.
To that end, we are using modern techniques and technologies to rethink what a servo valve can be and have addressed the compromises associated with traditional servo valves. We have designed a valve that is lightweight, compact, and efficient, without sacrificing power, control, or speed.
Our groundbreaking design features excellent contamination resistance and cutting-edge onboard electronics with failure detection and remote monitoring, further improving the valves’ durability and reliability, while features such as advanced configurability are our versatility and customisability.
Speak to one of the Domin team today to find out more.
