Control logic for thrust link whiffle-tree hinge positioning for improved clearances

Abstract

Systems and methods for optimizing clearances within an engine include an adjustable coupling configured to couple a thrust link to the aircraft engine, an actuator coupled to the adjustable coupling, where motion produced by the actuator adjusts a hinge point of the adjustable coupling, sensors configured to capture real time flight data, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit receives flight data from the sensors, implements a machine learning model trained to predict clearance values within the engine based on the received flight data, predicts, with the machine learning model, the clearance values within the engine based on the received flight data, determines an actuator position based on the clearance values, and causes the actuator to adjust to the determined actuator position.