Case Study: Northrop Grumman reduces X-47B hydraulic pressure pulsations with Eaton

Eaton Validates X-47’s Pressure Pulsations on Iron Bird Hydraulic System

Northrop Grumman, working with Eaton, faced high-pressure pulsations in an outlet line from an engine-driven hydraulic pump on the X-47B iron bird test rig. Eaton supported the program with its Hydraulic System Frequency Resonance analysis to help identify the source of the resonances and improve hydraulic system performance.

Using Eaton’s hydraulic resonance analysis, the team sized and placed an attenuator to reduce pressure pulsations and tune the system away from destructive resonances. Eaton’s solution helped validate the hydraulic setup, increased confidence in operational readiness, and supported Northrop Grumman’s schedule leading up to the X-47B’s successful first flight.

Northrop Grumman