Unsteady aerodynamics modeling for flight dynamics application

In view of engineering application, it is practicable to decompose the aerodynamics into three components： the static aerodynamics, the aerodynamic increment due to steady rotations, and the aerodynamic increment due to unsteady separated and vortical flow. The first and the second components can be presented in conventional forms, while the third is described using a one-order differential equation and a radial-basis-function （RBF） network. For an aircraft configuration, the mathematical models of 6- component aerodynamic coefficients are set up from the wind tunnel test data of pitch, yaw, roll, and coupled yawroll large-amplitude oscillations. The flight dynamics of an aircraft is studied by the bifurcation analysis technique in the case of quasi-steady aerodynamics and unsteady aerodynam- ics, respectively. The results show that： （1） unsteady aerodynamics has no effect upon the existence of trim points, but affects their stability; （2） unsteady aerodynamics has great effects upon the existence, stability, and amplitudes of periodic solutions; and （3） unsteady aerodynamics changes the stable regions of trim points obviously. Furthermore, the dynamic responses of the aircraft to elevator deflections are inspected. It is shown that the unsteady aerodynamics is beneficial to dynamic stability for the present aircraft. Finally, the effects of unsteady aerodynamics on the post-stall maneuverability

Robust bounded control for uncertain flight dynamics using disturbance observer

The robust bounded flight control scheme is developed for the uncertain longitudinal flight dynamics of the fighter with control input saturation invoking the backstepping technique. To enhance the disturbance rejection ability of the robust flight control for fighters, the sliding mode disturbance observer is designed to estimate the compounded disturbance including the unknown external disturbance and the effect of the control input saturation. Based on the backstepping technique and the compounded disturbance estimated output, the robust bounded flight control scheme is proposed for the fighter with the unknown external disturbance and the control input saturation. The closed-loop system stability under the developed robust bounded flight control scheme is rigorously proved using the Lyapunov method and the uniformly asymptotical convergences of all closed-loop signals are guaranteed. Finally, simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed robust bounded flight control scheme for the uncertain longitudinal flight dynamics of the fighter.

Model of Airflow Field on the Deck for Shipborne Helicopter Flight Dynamics Analysis

For the research of helicopter/ship dynamic interface,the method of combining steady flow and stochastic flow is adopted to establish a flow field model applied to the flight dynamics analysis of shipborne helicopter.The steady flow is calculated by computational fluid dynamics(CFD)method,while the stochastic flow is composed of the compensation velocity derived from ship motion and turbulence above the deck.The accuracy of the proposed flow field model is verified by comparing the helicopter response in the proposed flow field with the results calculated by US Army′s Military Specifications(MIL)model which is commonly used in engineering.Meanwhile,it also shows the proposed flow field model is more appliable to flight dynamics analysis of shipborne helicopter.On that the basis,ship deck flow field is simulated at different sea conditions by adjusting the wind speed on the deck,mother ship movement and shipboard turbulence,etc.And helicopter angular rate response is calculated.The results show that the difference of dynamic stability between helicopter′s roll and pitch leads to the facts that the influence of above factors on the helicopter′s roll angular rate response is greater than that of pitch angular rate,that the frequency and amplitude of mother ship roll motion are much greater than those of pitch motion,and that the disturbance caused by roll motion on the air has greater influence on the helicopter response.The shipboard turbulence is the main disturbance factor that influences helicopter flight stability and its intensity determines the amplitudes of angular rate response.

Flight dynamics modeling and analysis for a Mars helicopter

Flight dynamics modeling for the Mars helicopter faces great challenges.Aerodynamic modeling of coaxial rotor with high confidence and high computational efficiency is a major difficulty for the field.This paper builds an aerodynamic model of coaxial rotor in the extremely thin Martian atmosphere using the viscous vortex particle method.The aerodynamic forces and flow characteristics of rigid coaxial rotor are computed and analyzed.Meanwhile,a high fidelity aerodynamic surrogate model is built to improve the computational efficiency of the flight dynamics model.Results in this paper reveal that rigid coaxial rotor can bring the Mars helicopter sufficient controllability but result in obvious instability and control couplings in forward flight.This highlights the great differences in flight dynamics characteristics compared with conventional helicopters on Earth.

Control-oriented modeling of a high-aspect-ratio flying wing with coupled flight dynamics

The flight-structural dynamics of a high-aspect-ratio wing challenge the flight control design.This paper develops a reduced model of coupled dynamics with stability consideration.The structural dynamics are formulated with dihedrals,and the central loads drive the deformation.The control-oriented model with essential coupled dynamics is formulated.Modal sensitivity anal-ysis and input–output pairing are performed to identify the control structure.Besides,an example of flight control design is provided to discuss the necessity of considering structural dynamics in controller design.Analytical coupled flight dynamics provide a system-theoretic approach for sta-bility and facilitate model-based control techniques.Simulation results reveal the characteristics of flight-structural coupled dynamics and demonstrate that the influence of flexible modes should be considered in control design,especially in lateral dynamics.

Identification method for helicopter flight dynamics modeling with rotor degrees of freedom

A comprehensive method based on system identification theory for helicopter flight dynamics modeling with rotor degrees of freedom is developed. A fully parameterized rotor flapping equation for identification purpose is derived without using any theoretical model, so the confidence of the identified model is increased, and then the 6 degrees of freedom rigid body model is extended to 9 degrees of freedom high-order model. Bode sensitivity function is derived to increase the accuracy of frequency spectra calculation which influences the accuracy of model parameter identification. Then a frequency domain identification algorithm is established. Acceleration technique is developed furthermore to increase calculation efficiency, and the total identification time is reduced by more than 50% using this technique. A comprehensive two-step method is established for helicopter high-order flight dynamics model identification which increases the numerical stability of model identification compared with single step algorithm. Application of the developed method to identify the flight dynamics model of BO 105 helicopter based on flight test data is implemented. A comparative study between the high-order model and rigid body model is performed at last. The results show that the developed method can be used for helicopter high-order flight dynamics model identification with high accuracy as well as efficiency, and the advantage of identified high-order model is very obvious compared with low-order model.

Dynamic flight stability of a hovering model insect:lateral motion

The lateral dynamic flight stability of a hovering model insect （dronefly） was studied using the method of computational fluid dynamics to compute the stability derivatives and the techniques of eigenvalue and eigenvector analysis for solving the equations of motion. The main results are as following. （i） Three natural modes of motion were identified： one unstable slow divergence mode （mode 1）, one stable slow oscillatory mode （mode 2）, and one stable fast subsidence mode （mode 3）. Modes 1 and 2 mainly consist of a rotation about the horizontal longitudinal axis （x-axis） and a side translation; mode 3 mainly consists of a rotation about the x-axis and a rotation about the vertical axis. （ii） Approximate analytical expressions of the eigenvalues are derived, which give physical insight into the genesis of the natural modes of motion. （iii） For the unstable divergence mode, td, the time for initial disturbances to double, is about 9 times the wingbeat period （the longitudinal motion of the model insect was shown to be also unstable and td of the longitudinal unstable mode is about 14 times the wingbeat period）. Thus, although the flight is not dynamically stable, the instability does not grow very fast and the insect has enough time to control its wing motion to suppress the disturbances.

Dynamic flight stability of hovering model insects:theory versus simulation using equations of motion coupled with Navier-Stokes equations

In the present paper, the longitudinal dynamic flight stability properties of two model insects are predicted by an approximate theory and computed by numerical sim- ulation. The theory is based on the averaged model （which assumes that the frequency of wingbeat is sufficiently higher than that of the body motion, so that the flapping wings＇ degrees of freedom relative to the body can be dropped and the wings can be replaced by wingbeat-cycle-average forces and moments）; the simulation solves the complete equations of motion coupled with the Navier-Stokes equations. Comparison between the theory and the simulation provides a test to the validity of the assumptions in the theory. One of the insects is a model dronefly which has relatively high wingbeat frequency （164 Hz） and the other is a model hawkmoth which has relatively low wingbeat frequency （26 Hz）. The results show that the averaged model is valid for the hawkmoth as well as for the dronefly. Since the wingbeat frequency of the hawkmoth is relatively low （the characteristic times of the natural modes of motion of the body divided by wingbeat period are relatively large） compared with many other insects, that the theory based on the averaged model is valid for the hawkmoth means that it could be valid for many insects.

Dynamic flight stability of a bumblebee in forward flight

The longitudinal dynamic flight stability of a bumblebee in forward flight is studied. The method of computational fluid dynamics is used to compute the aerodynamic derivatives and the techniques of eigenvalue and eigenvector analysis are employed for solving the equations of motion. The primary findings are as the following. The forward flight of the bumblebee is not dynamically stable due to the existence of one （or two） unstable or approximately neutrally stable natural modes of motion. At hovering to medium flight speed [flight speed Ue = （0-3.5）m s^-1; advance ratio J = 0-0.44], the flight is weakly unstable or approximately neutrally stable; at high speed （Ue = 4.5 m s^-1; J = 0.57）, the flight becomes strongly unstable （initial disturbance double its value in only 3.5 wingbeats）.

Lateral dynamic flight stability of hovering insects: theory vs. numerical simulation

In the present paper, the lateral dynamic flight stability properties of two hovering model insects are predicted by an approximate theory based on the averaged model, and computed by numerical simulation that solves the complete equations of motion coupled with the Naviertokes equations. Comparison between the theoretical and simulational results provides a test to the validity of the assumptions made in the theory. One of the insects is a model dronefly which has relatively high wingbeat frequency （164Hz） and the other is a model hawkmoth which has relatively low wingbeat frequency （26 Hz）. The following conclusion has been drawn. The theory based on the averaged model works well for the lateral motion of the dronefly. For the hawkmoth, relatively large quantitative differences exist between theory and simulation. This is because the lateral non-dimensional eigenvalues of the hawkmoth are not very small compared with the non-dimensional flapping frequency （the largest lateral non-dimensional eigenvalue is only about 10% smaller than the non-dimensional flapping frequency）. Nevertheless, the theory can still correctly predict variational trends of the dynamic properties of the hawkmoth＇s lateral motion.

弹性飞行器飞行载荷与动态特性分析(英文)

Based on the equations of motion of flexible air vehicles includingrigid-body modes and elastic structural modes, and applying influence coefficients of linearaerodynamics, a set of equations are derived and a method is presented for analysis of flight loadsand dynamic characteristics. The problems in the fields of flight mechanics and aeroelasticity suchas static aeroelastic divergence, trim and deformation, aerodynamic loads distribution, flutter andflight dynamics can be solved by the procedure. An airplane with high aspect ratio wings isanalyzed, and the results show that the coupling between rigid -body modes and elastic modes isdistinct and should not be overlooked.

新一代歼击机超机动攻击的智能控制及实时分布式三维动画仿真研究(英文)

The super-maneuver flight performance has a very high tactical value, and the development of this tactical value has great significance. A discussion is devoted to the study of intelligent control methods and technologies of real-time distributed 3-dimensional animation simulation for the super-maneuverable attack of new generational fighter in this paper. A flight control system of super-maneuver is reconstructed by adopting three layers BP neural networks of number 3, and the fire/flight coupler is designed by introducing a fuzzy control rule whose universe of discourse and gain are regulated adaptively on the line. Furthermore, a new method of real-time distributed 3-dimensional animation simulation is put forward, and a real-time distributed 3-dimensional animation simulation tool platform is constructed in this paper. The simulation result is lifelike, perceivable directly and useful.

RELATIONSHIPS FOR MOTION DESCRIBED IN ANY TWO ROTATION ALREFE RENCEF RAMES

In this paper the definitions of the relative derivatives of a vector with respect to time in any reference frame by using the notation of vectrix are proposed. It is further shown that with the help of vectrix one can treat the relative derivatives more clearly and more rigorously when multiple reference frames are concerned. Very useful relationships between the first order relative derivatives described in any two reference frames are derived. Relationships for the second order relative derivatives are also presented in detail. A new concept called `rotation induced acceleration' which is caused by the rotation of two reference frames when motion is necessarily described in them is presented. The result obtained in this paper is the generalization of the acceleration theorem given in conventional theoretical mechanics.

Dynamic Modeling, Testing, and Stability Analysis of an Ornithoptic Blimp

In order to study omithopter flight and to improve a dynamic model of flapping propulsion, a series 0f tests are conducted on a flapping-wing blimp. The blimp is designed and constructed from mylar plastic and balsa wood as a test platform for aerodynamics and flight dynamics. The blimp, 2.3 meters long and 420 gram mass, is propelled by its flapping wings. Due to buoyancy the wings have no lift requirement so that the distinction between lift and propulsion can be analyzed in a flight platform at low flight speeds. The blimp is tested using a Vicon motion tracking system and various initial conditions are tested including accelerating flight from standstill, decelerating from an initial speed higher than its steady state, and from its steady-state speed but disturbed in pitch angle. Test results are used to estimate parameters in a coupled quasi-steady aerodynamics/Newtonian flight dynamics model. This model is then analyzed using Floquet theory to determine local dynamic modes and stability. It is concluded that the dynamic model adequately describes the vehicle＇s nonlinear behavior near the steady-state velocity and that the vehicle＇s linearized modes are akin to those of a fixed-wing aircraft.

Ecolifter Conceptual Configuration Design and Parameter Analysis

In the phase of conceptually designing, the Ecolifter with three lift surface configuration, the influences of aircraft geometric parameters and configuration such as wing geometric parameters, canard parameters, aircraft center of gravity and engine positions and so on, on flight dynamic stability are discussed with the integrated analysis method. On the basis of the analysis of flight dynamic stability, the suitable wing geometric parameters are given and the improved aircraft configuration is proposed.

INTELLIGENT RESOLUTION OF COOPERATIVE CONFLICT

First, the concept of cooperative conflict is presented, and the characteristic of cooperative air combat is researched. Then, four methods of conflict resolution are designed by way of the first order predicate logic, i.e., link-up, coordination, accommodation and integration, and corresponding examples are given. A 2 vs 2 air combat simulation was carried out; after conflict resolution, the loss ratio is dropped to 0.54 from the original 1.32, so the enhancement of effectiveness is notable. The present research findings are that the wide conflicts discover the essence of multi-fighter cooperation, i.e., to as fully as possible enhance the effectiveness of each fighter to attain global optimization, and that the possibility of conflict resolution shows the application prospect. The proposed method in this paper is a helpful try to the application of the Fifth Generation Computer in the new generation of C3I system.

Dynamics,stability,and control of a four-cable mount system for wind tunnel test

A four-cable mount system is proposed for full-model wind tunnel flutter tests,which may adjust the pitch and roll attitude of the aircraft scaled model and ensure that the model is not subjected to cable tension.The system provides sufficient support to simulate the free flight of the aircraft by applying appropriate spring stiffness and cable tensions.The proposed fourcable mount system is modeled based on Lagrange mechanics,and its dynamics equations consider aerodynamic effects.The singularity of the system and its bifurcation characteristics under flow conditions are analysed to determine the supercritical bifurcation phenomenon for different tension levels and distances from the front suspension point to the mass centre of the model.The mathematical expressions of the longitudinal flight stability of the cable mount system are derived by linearising the system dynamics equations using small perturbations.The influence of the cable tension,spring stiffness,suspension point position,and other factors on the flight stability of the aircraft are analysed.A feedforward control algorithm is proposed to minimize the total elastic potential energy of the system.The results show that the model is in the level flight state when the elastic potential energy of the four-cable mount system is minimized.A feedback control design method is proposed based on the Lyapunov stability theory to derive the closed-loop stability conditions.The system dynamics model that includes the aircraft rigid body model,flexible cables,pulleys,springs,aerodynamic model,and servo motor control is established using the flexible multibody dynamics method.A multibody dynamics solver and Simulink are used to simulate the attitude adjustment of the model in the wind tunnel and verify the supercritical bifurcation characteristics of the system and the effectiveness of the feedback and feedforward control.

Aerodynamic Characteristics of the Crest with Membrane Attachment on Cretaceous Pterodactyloid Nyctosaurus

The Nyctosaurus specimen K J1 was reconstructed under the hypothesis that there is a membrane attached to the crest; the so-called headsail crest. The aerodynamic forces and moment acting on the headsail crest were analyzed. It was shown that K J1 might adjust the angle of the headsail crest relative to the air current as one way to generate thrust （one of the aerodynamic forces, used to overcome body drag in forward flight） and that the magnitude of the thrust and moment could vary with the gesture angle and the relative location between the aerodynamic center of the headsail crest and body＇s center of gravity. Three scenarios were tested for comparison： the crest with membrane attachment, the crest without membrane attachment and the absence of a cranial crest. It was shown that the aerodynamic characteristics （increasing, maintaining and decreasing thrusts and moment） would have almost disappear in flight for the crest without membrane attachment and was non-existent without the cranial crest. It is suggested from aerodynamics evidence alone that Nyctosaurus specimen KJ1 had a membrane attached to the crest and used this reconstructed form for auxiliary flight control.

PATH FOLLOWING GPS-BASED CONTROL OF SMALL-SIZE ROBOTIC UNMANNED BLIMP

Robotic unmanned blimps own an enormous potential for applications in low-speed and low-altitude exploration, surveillance, and monitoring, as well as telecommunication relay platforms. To make lighter-than-air platform a robotic blimp with significant levels of autonomy, the decoupled longitude and latitude dynamic model is developed, and the hardware and software of the flight control system are designed and detailed. Flight control and navigation strategy and algorithms for waypoint flight problem are discussed. A result of flight experiment is also presented, which validates that the flight control system is applicable and initial machine intelligence of robotic blimp is achieved.

Research on combustion characteristics of scramjet combustor with different flight dynamic pressure conditions

Combustion characteristics in a scramjet combustor equipped with a thin strut were observed and discussed in this paper.A series of numerical simulations were carried out under different flight dynamic pressure conditions.The parameters of cold flow field and combustion field were used to analyze the combustion characteristics.Based on the basic data,the mixing efficiency,characteristics of flame establishment and propagation as well as combustion field characteristics were discussed in this paper.The influence laws of lower dynamic pressure conditions were further revealed to optimize combustor performance.Results indicated that properly reducing the flight dynamic pressure can enhance the mixing of kerosene.The diffusion of kerosene determined the distribution of combustion zone and heat release.Then,the influencing factor that affected the chemical reaction rate was revealed to shorten chemical reaction time.And the higher flight Mach number made the flame propagation velocity faster and the combustion stability stronger.The fuel mixing became the main factor and low dynamic pressure had little effect on laminar flame propagation velocity under high Mach number conditions.The investigations in this paper are helpful for understanding the combustion characteristics under low dynamic pressure conditions.