Solutions to Planar Aircraft Perching Problem Utilizing Sideslip Maneuvering

• Published in: Journal of aerospace engineering 2020-11, Vol.33 (6)
• Main Authors: Feroskhan, Mir, Zheng, Zewei, Go, Tiauw H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aircraft maneuvers; Maneuverability; Sideslip; Technical Papers; Trajectory optimization
• ISSN: 0893-1321; 1943-5525
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)AS.1943-5525.0001189

AbstractThis paper presents a dynamic analysis, optimization framework, and control formulation of a sideslip maneuvering technique that can be implemented in a two-dimensional (2D) planar perching problem. This aggressive maneuver largely improves perching performance by minimizing the undesirable undershoot. With the inclusion of the dynamic stall influence in the aerodynamic model, a nonlinear trajectory optimization study is presented to investigate the capability of sideslip maneuvering in providing additional drag from the high sideslip angles and generating additional maneuverability to reduce the amount of undershoot and perching distance required for velocity reduction. With reference to comparative analyses at different velocities and maximum allowable turn rates, the performance of the perching maneuver with sideslip maneuvering is identified to be significantly enhanced compared to the longitudinal 2D perching trajectory based on metrics such as total perching distance, total time taken, and undershoot depth. Subsequently, a backstepping controller, which is catered to handle the high nonlinearities in the perching dynamics, is formulated as a solution to the variation in launch conditions problem.