Aerodynamic/control integrated optimization method for unpowered high-speed vehicle configuration design

The unpowered high-speed vehicle experiences a significant coupling between the disciplines of aerodynamics and control due to its characteristics of high flight speed and extensive maneuverability within large airspace.The conventional aircraft conceptual design process follows a sequential design approach,and there is an artificial separation between the disciplines of aerodynamics and control,neglecting the coupling effects arising from their interaction.As a result,this design process often requires extensive iterations over long periods when applied to high-speed vehicles,and may not be able to effectively achieve the desired design objectives.To enhance the overall performance and design efficiency of high-speed vehicles,this study integrates the concept of Active Control Technology(ACT)from modern aircraft into the philosophy of aerodynamic/control integrated optimization.Two integrated optimization strategies,with differences in coupling granularity,have been developed.Subsequently,these strategies are put into action on a biconical vehicle that operates at Mach 5.The results reveal that the comprehensive performance of the synthesis optimal model derived from the aerodynamic/control integrated optimization strategy is improved by 31.76%and 28.29%respectively compared to the base model under high-speed conditions,demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the method and optimization strategies employed.Moreover,in comparison to the single-stage strategy,the multi-stage strategy takes into deeper consideration the impact of control capacity.As a result,the control performance of the synthesis opti-mal model derived from the multi-stage strategy improves by 13.99%,whereas the single-stage strategy only achieves a 5.79%improvement.This method enables a fruitful interaction between aerodynamic configuration design and control system design,leading to enhanced overall performance and design efficiency.Furthermore,it improves the controllability of high-speed vehicles,mitigating the risk of mission failure resulting from an ineffective control system.