Watt Linkage–Based Legged Deployable Landing Mechanism for Reusable Launch Vehicle: Principle, Prototype Design, and Experimental Validation

The reusable launch vehicle (RLV) presents a new avenue for reducing cost of space transportation. The landing mechanism, which provides landing support and impact absorption, is a vital component of the RLV at final stage of recovery. This study proposes a novel legged deployable landing mechanism (LDLM) for RLV. The Watt-II six-bar mechanism is adopted to obtain the preferred configuration via the application of the linkage variation approach. To endow the proposed LDLM with advantages of large landing support region, lightweight, and reasonable linkage internal forces, a multi-objective optimization paradigm is developed. Furthermore, the optimal scale parameters for guiding the LDLM prototype design is obtained numerically using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) evolutionary algorithm. A fully-functional scaled RLV prototype is developed by integrating the gravity-governed deploying scheme to facilitate unfolding action to avoid full-range actuation, a dual-backup locking mechanism to enhance reliability of structure stiffening as fully deployed, and a shock absorber (SA) with multistage honeycomb to offer reliable shock absorbing performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LDLM is capable of providing rapid and smooth deployment (duration less than 1.5 s) with mild posture disturbance to the cabin (yaw and pitch fluctuations less than 6°). In addition, it provides satisfactory impact attenuation (acceleration peak less than 10g (g is the gravitational acceleration)) in the 0.2 m freefall test, which makes the proposed LDLM a potential alternative for developing future RLV archetype.

复合风场影响下RLV着陆段固定时间控制

本文针对垂直起降的可重复使用运载器(RLV)返回着陆段面临多类型复合风场干扰影响导致的姿态跟踪控制收敛时间上界与初始状态强耦合及跟踪性能严重下降等问题,提出一种基于双幂次固定时间稳定理论的快速高精度控制方法。首先,对可重复使用运载器返回着陆段所受的自然风场进行分类建模,并分析风场对着陆段姿态控制的影响;其次,基于反步法框架,设计高低幂次加权多项式形式的趋近律,以保证系统状态误差在固定时间内收敛,且收敛时间和上界与初始状态无关;同时,为降低风场扰动对着陆段控制系统性能的影响,保证着陆段控制性能的稳定性及着陆安全性,引入固定时间扩张状态观测器对风场扰动进行估计和补偿;最后基于Lyapunov理论,证明了所设计的控制律可使RLV返回着陆段姿态控制误差在固定时间内收敛;多组数值仿真验证了所提方法的有效性。

Robust Attitude Control for Reusable Launch Vehicles Based on Fractional Calculus and Pigeon-inspired Optimization

In this paper, a robust attitude control system based on fractional order sliding mode control and dynamic inversion approach is presented for the reusable launch vehicle RLV during the reentry phase. By introducing the fractional order sliding surface to replace the integer order one, we design robust outer loop controller to compensate the error introduced by inner loop controller designed by dynamic inversion approach. To take the uncertainties of aerodynamic parameters into account, stochastic robustness design approach based on the Monte Carlo simulation and Pigeon-inspired optimization is established to increase the robustness of the controller. Some simulation results are given out which indicate the reliability and effectiveness of the attitude control system. © 2014 Chinese Association of Automation.

大气空间和季节性气候特征对RLV升力式再入飞行的影响

为提升重复使用运载器(RLV)竞争力精细化设计边界,在融合3颗卫星载荷采集的大气数据基础上,采用大/小尺度扰动分别建模的方法,建立了沿RLV再入飞行轨道的全域参考大气模型,开展了大气密度空间性和季节性(1月、4月、7月和10月)气候变化对跟踪RLV高纬度升力式再入标准轨道的影响分析。结果显示季节性和轨道空间性变化带来的大气密度偏差特性和散布特性,会强烈影响跟踪标准轨道的终端分布特征。这表明引入大气参考模型可以提升RLV性能,降低运行成本。

Hierarchical structured robust adaptive attitude controller design for reusable launch vehicles

Reentry attitude control for reusable launch vehicles （RLVs） is challenging due to the characters of fast nonlinear dy- namics and large flight envelop. A hierarchical structured attitude control system for an RLV is proposed and an unpowered RLV con- trol model is developed. Then, the hierarchical structured control frame consisting of attitude controller, compound control strategy and control allocation is presented. At the core of the design is a robust adaptive control （RAC） law based on dual loop time-scale separation. A radial basis function neural network （RBFNN） is implemented for compensation of uncertain model dynamics and external disturbances in the inner loop. And then the robust op- timization is applied in the outer loop to guarantee performance robustness. The overall control design frame retains the simplicity in design while simultaneously assuring the adaptive and robust performance. The hierarchical structured robust adaptive con- troller （HSRAC） incorporates flexibility into the design with regard to controller versatility to various reentry mission requirements. Simulation results show that the improved tracking performance is achieved by means of RAC.

Six-DOF trajectory optimization for reusable launch vehicles via Gauss pseudospectral method

To be close to the practical flight process and increase the precision of optimal trajectory, a six-degree-offreedom（6-DOF） trajectory is optimized for the reusable launch vehicle（RLV） using the Gauss pseudospectral method（GPM）. Different from the traditional trajectory optimization problem which generally considers the RLV as a point mass, the coupling between translational dynamics and rotational dynamics is taken into account. An optimization problem is formulated to minimize a performance index subject to 6-DOF equations of motion, including translational and rotational dynamics. A two-step optimal strategy is then introduced to reduce the large calculations caused by multiple variables and convergence confinement in 6-DOF trajectory optimization. The simulation results demonstrate that the 6-DOF trajectory optimal strategy for RLV is feasible.

Design of Neural Network Variable Structure Reentry Control System for Reusable Launch Vehicle

A flight control system is designed for a reusable launch vehicle with aerodynamic control surfaces and reaction control system based on a variable-structure control and neural network theory.The control problems of coupling among the channels and the uncertainty of model parameters are solved by using the method.High precise and robust tracking of required attitude angles can be achieved in complicated air space.A mathematical model of reusable launch vehicle is presented first,and then a controller of flight system is presented.Base on the mathematical model,the controller is divided into two parts:variable-structure controller and neural network module which is used to modify the parameters of controller.This control system decouples the lateraldirectional tunnels well with a neural network sliding mode controller and provides a robust and de-coupled tracking for mission angle profiles.After this a control allocation algorithm is employed to allocate the torque moments to aerodynamic control surfaces and thrusters.The final simulation shows that the control system has a good accurate,robust and de-coupled tracking performance.The stable state error is less than 1°,and the overshoot is less than 5%.

Parameters and Trajectory Overall Optimization Design of the Combined Cycle Engine Reusable Launch Vehicle

Reusable launch vehicle is an important way to realize fast,cheap and reliable space transportation.A combined cycle engine system provides a more efficient and flexible form of power.The investigation on the research status of the combined cycle engine technology,including basic principle,research programs and classification of structure is firstly discussed in this paper.Then the bilevel hierarchical and integrated parameters/trajectory overall optimization technologies are applied to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of overall vehicle design.Simulations are implemented to compare and analyze the effectiveness and adaptability of the two algorithms,in order to provide the technical reserves and beneficial references for further research on combined cycle engine reusable launch vehicles.

Effect of Fuselage Cross Section on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Reusable Launch Vehicles

An experimental study on examining aerodynamic characteristics of fuselage cross sections for RLVs (Reusable Launch Vehicles) was conducted at Mach number 0.3, 0.9 and 4.0 in the wind tunnel of ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). Three bodies, having the same projected area and length, with and without a set of fins, were tested. Their cross sections are a circle, a square and a triangle with rounded corners. The results showed that the fuselage cross sections had large effects on aerodynamic characteristics in subsonic and transonic flow. The lift coefficient of the model having the triangular cross section with a set of the fins was larger than that of the others in high angles of attack region due to contributions of the separation vortices generated from the fuselage expanding to the wing surface.

Low Cost and Reusability of Launch Vehicle

This paper analyzes the launch price of the launch vehicles, domestic and abroad, studies the status and trend of the low cost launch vehicles, and introduces two measures to reduce the cost by means of evolved and disruptive technologies, utilizing the concept of low cost manufacturing and operating modes as well. This paper also analyzes the launch strategies for small satellites such as piggyback, networking launch, and single launch with a small launch vehicle(SLV). Finally, the development trend of reusable launch vehicles is discussed as well as the development prospects for China's reusable launch vehicle.

Study on Feasibility of Reusable Rocket Launching Technology by Use of Scramjet and Maglev Technologies

The scramjet and maglev engineering technology development and trends at home and abroad are firstly presented in this paper. A new launch mode of space transportation system is proposed based on scramjet and magnetic suspension technologies, and its key technologies required are given. This paper also makes analysis on using scramjet and magnetic suspension technologies to launch a reusable rocket, and the results show that a normal temperature conductor maglev launch system is feasible.

液氧甲烷重复使用运载器关键技术发展研究

基于液氧甲烷发动机的重复使用运载器在重复使用和使用维护方面具有优良的性能,成本更低。世界各国正在加速开展相关研究及工程研制,典型代表包括火神运载火箭、朱雀二号运载火箭等。对基于液氧甲烷发动机的重复使用运载器的技术特点、面临的技术挑战进行分析,并基于此提出后续重点研究内容,包括重复使用总体设计与评估技术、上升再入返回着陆一体化制导导航与控制技术、大尺寸轻质结构与制造技术、重复使用液氧甲烷发动机技术、健康管理预测与重复使用运行维护技术、重复使用热防护技术等,为后续开展液氧甲烷重复使用运载器工程研制奠定基础。

一种运载火箭第一子级回收方案设计方法

针对可回收火箭的总体设计,提出了一种用于运载火箭第一子级回收方案的设计方法。首先,建立火箭子级运动模型,为便于确定回收推力大小和调节范围,在模型中引入了推力比例因子和推力调节因子。然后,探讨回收推力和推进剂剩余量的对应关系,并通过飞行时间给出剩余推进剂的约束条件。最后,从设计的角度确定回收基本过程,并通过仿真算例制定火箭子级的回收方案。所提方法详细给出了回收过程中火箭发动机的推力大小、推力调整范围、工作时间、落点位置、最大速度以及着陆段的起始速度和高度的估计。算例表明所提方法可以实现回收过程的关键参数确定。

海上垂直回收运载火箭发展现状与关键技术分析

运载火箭的可回收重复使用不但可以降低发射成本,而且能提高发射密度,满足高密度发射需求,是人类向太空探索必须发展的技术。垂直返回海上回收方式具备高精度、高稳定落点,减小了对落区人民的安全威胁,同时也减小了火箭运载能力不足的影响。随着“猎鹰9”火箭子级成功实现了海上垂直回收并多次重复使用,引发了各国研究者对火箭子级海上垂直回收技术的重视与探索。首先,阐述了海上垂直回收运载火箭的优势与特点,其次,梳理了海上垂直回收运载火箭的发展现状,再次,根据海上回收火箭的几个阶段分析了其过程中包含的关键技术;最后,总结了海上垂直回收运载火箭的发展趋势。

基于大气预估的RLV再入预测制导研究

针对可重复使用飞行器(RLV)多约束再入制导特点,提出一种新的基于大气预估的再入制导方法.针对大气模型的不确定性,通过参数辨识技术确定当前大气参数.在此基础上,考虑可重复使用飞行器过载、动压和驻点热流等过程约束对倾侧角的限制,利用数值预测的方法实时预测RLV的落点确定制导偏差,形成倾侧角控制指令,完成再入轨道的在线设计.仿真结果表明,该方法能够适应多种再入条件,有效减小各种不确定因素的影响,保证再入终端落点的精度要求.

一种动态逆解算的RLV混合规划控制分配研究

可重复使用运载器的飞行包线大,操纵机构多样,根据其飞行状态对各操纵机构进行优化分配使用是必要的。针对可重复使用运载器三轴角运动的耦合,采用动态逆对控制力矩进行解耦计算。为优化各操纵机构的使用并最大限度使用气动操纵面,减小反作用控制系统的消耗,提出了一种混合规划策略来进行控制分配。气动操纵面与反作用控制系统两者之间的力矩采用链式递增分配,气动操纵面饱和后才启动反作用控制系统,而各气动操纵面之间的控制分配采用二次规划求解,反作用控制系统的力矩分配转化成各喷管开关的0-1整数线性规划进行求解。仿真结果表明,采用混合规划的控制分配能很好实现各操纵机构的优化使用。

基于遗传算法的RLV再入轨迹优化设计

飞行器再入轨迹优化是一类最优控制问题。传统的优化方法存在初始值敏感问题。利用小生境技术和精英方法改进适应值共享拥挤遗传算法,并将其用于RLV再入轨迹优化设计。以终端时间固定的空间最小控制能量再入轨迹和终端时间自由的平面最小热载再入轨迹为例,详细讨论了遗传算法用于再入轨迹优化设计所需要解决的一些关键问题。仿真结果表明提出的方法能够较快地搜索到全局最优解,对初始猜测值不敏感,能够方便用于RLV的再入轨迹方案选择和优化设计。

RLV应急再入轨迹规划问题的动态伪谱法求解

针对可重复使用运载器(RLV)的应急轨迹规划问题,提出了动态伪谱法,实现了目标变更与能力下降情况下的轨迹重构。该方法将应急轨道规划问题转换为动态全局规划问题,基于Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto伪谱法进行了连续最优问题的离散化处理,推导了连续Bolza问题与离散化谱方法的一致性,并基于拉格朗日算子进行了性能指标优化。考虑到非连续最优解的收敛困难,给出了高效的初始配点和动态规划算法。最终的仿真结果表明所提出方法可有效实现再入轨迹重构,适应气动力系统20%的拉偏,且终端约束精度小于10 m。

RLV再入标准轨道制导与轨道预测制导方法比较分析

提出只更新飞行剖面参数的航程更新方法及相应的RLV再入标准轨道制导规律;结合轨道在线生成与跟踪技术,采用Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg自适应变步长轨道快速预报方法,研究了RLV再入轨道预测制导。进一步对两种制导方法进行了比较分析研究,研究认为标准轨道制导与轨道预测制导都是可行的RLV再入制导方案,其有机结合是未来可重复使用跨大气层飞行器再入制导的发展趋势。

基于遗传算法的RLV再入轨迹优化设计(英文)

飞行器再入轨迹优化是一类最优控制问题。传统的优化方法存在初始值敏感问题,利用改进的基于小生境技术和精英方法的适应值共享拥挤遗传算法进行RLV的再入轨迹优化设计。以终端时间固定的空间最小控制能量再入轨迹和终端时间自由的平面最小热载再入轨迹为例,详细讨论了遗传算法用于再入轨迹优化设计所需要解决的一些关键问题。仿真结果表明提出的方法能够较快地搜索到全局最优解,对初始猜测值不敏感,能够方便用于RLV的再入轨迹方案选择和优化设计。