Energy transfer based fault propagation model and application on DRAS

The operation of complex electromechanical systems can be understood as a flow of energy, encompassing energy conversion, energy transfer, and energy dissipation, along with their interdependencies. This paper reveals the principles of energy transfer and fault propagation of systems. The components are characterized as energy ports, with calculations based on the energy state space equation. The general structure of systems is illustrated, and the propagation model of systems based on energy transfer is developed by establishing the interaction equation between energy ports. The influence of a component fault on the upstream and downstream ports, as well as on the entire system, is analyzed. The dissimilar redundant actuation system (DRAS) in the aircraft is utilized as a case study for fault propagation analysis. The obtained results verified that the fault propagation of complex electromechanical systems can be accurately described by considering the energy transfer.