PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Relationship between alpha prot/max/floor
Old 27th Dec 2008, 05:07
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bobrun
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
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I'll give it a try...

Alpha floor is triggered at a predetermined angle of attack threshold that depends on the aircraft configuration, weight, ground speed variation and the difference between ground speed and airpseed, or can be activated by sidestick input (more than 14 degrees) under certain conditions. Alpha floor activation logic is done by the PRIM, and the auto thrust system then commands max thrust. It usually activates somewhere below alpha prot while approaching alpha max, depending on the conditions, but usually before alpha max.

Once the speed is below alpha prot, the sidestick controls the angle of attack directly instead of doing the normal pitch control. With full back stick held, the speed will go to alpha max and stay there. If the side stick is then released, the speed will increase to alpha prot and stay there until the low speed protection mode is left, usually by pushing forward on the side stick.

In normal law you can't stall the airplane since it won't let you go below alpha max, but it doesn't mean you can't be in a very low energy state. You won't be stalled, but you'll be descending like a brick!
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