Showing papers in "International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences in 2016"

Differential Game Based Air Combat Maneuver Generation Using Scoring Function Matrix

Abstract: A differential game theory based approach is used to develop an automated maneuver generation algorithm for Within Visual Range (WVR) air-to-air combat of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The algorithm follows hierarchical decisionmaking structure and performs scoring function matrix calculation based on differential game theory to find the optimal maneuvers against dynamic and challenging combat situation. The score, implying how much air superiority the UCAV has, is computed from the predicted relative geometry, relative distance and velocity of two aircrafts. Security strategy is applied at the decision-making step. Additionally, a barrier function is implemented to keep the airplanes above the altitude lower bound. To shorten the simulation time to make the algorithm more real-time, a moving horizon method is implemented. An F-16 pseudo 6-DOF model is used for realistic simulation. The combat maneuver generation algorithm is verified through three dimensional simulations.

Aerodynamic Design of the Solar-Powered High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Abstract: Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is developing an electric-driven HALE UAV in order to secure system and operational technologies since 2010. Based on the flight tests and design experiences of the previously developed electricdriven UAVs, KARI has designed EAV-3, a solar-powered HALE UAV. EAV-3 weighs 53kg, the structure weight is 22kg, and features a flexible wing of 19.5m in span with the aspect ratio of 17.4. Designing the main wing and empennage of the EAV-3 the amount of the bending due to the flexible wing, 404mm at 1-G flight condition based on T-800 composite material, and side wind effects due to low cruise speed, Vcr = 6m/sec, are carefully considered. Also, unlike the general aircraft there is no center of gravity shift during the flight because of the EAV-3 is the solar-electric driven UAV. Thus, static margin cuts down to 28.4% and center of gravity moves back to 31% of the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC) comparing with the previously designed the EAV-2 and EAV-2H/2H+ to upgrade the flight performance of the EAV-3.

Fault Tolerant Control of Hexacopter for Actuator Faults using Time Delay Control Method

Abstract: A novel attitude tacking control method using Time Delay Control (TDC) scheme is developed to provide robust controllability of a rigid hexacopter in case of single or multiple rotor faults. When the TDC scheme is developed, the rotor faults such as the abrupt and/or incipient rotor faults are considered as model uncertainties. The kinematics, modeling of rigid dynamics of hexacopter, and design of stability and controllability augmentation system (SCAS) are addressed rigorously in this paper. In order to compare the developed control scheme to a conventional control method, a nonlinear numerical simulation has been performed and the attitude tracking performance has been compared between the two methods considering the single and multiple rotor faults cases. The developed control scheme shows superior stability and robust controllability of a hexacopter that is subjected to one or multiple rotor faults and external disturbance, i.e., wind shear, gust, and turbulence.

Expansion of the equilibrium constants for the temperature range of 300K to 20,000K

Abstract: Chemical-kinetic parameters of the equilibrium constants to evaluate the reverse rate coefficients in the shock layer of a blunt body and the expanding flows are derived for the temperature range from 300 K to 20,000 K. The expanded equilibrium constants for the chemical reactions of the dissociation, ionization, associative ionization, and neutral and charge exchange reactions of the atmospheric species and carbon materials are proposed in the present work. In evaluating the equilibrium constants, the inter-nuclear potential energies of the molecular species are calculated by the analytical potential function of the Hulburt-Hirschfelder model, and the parameters of the analytical model are determined from the semi-classically calculated RKR potentials. The electronic states and energies of the atoms are calculated by the electronic energy grouping model, and the rovibrational states and energies of each electronic states of the molecules are evaluated by the WKB method. The expanded equilibrium constants for 31 types of the reactions are provided for the best curve-fit functions, and the recombination reaction rate coefficients evaluated from the present equilibrium constants are compared with existing measured values.

Test and Simulation of an Active Vibration Control System for Helicopter Applications

Abstract: A significant source of vibration in helicopters is the main rotor system, and it is a technical challenge to reduce the vibration in order to ensure the comfort of crew and passengers. Several types of passive devices have been applied to conventional helicopters in order to reduce the vibration. In recent years, helicopter manufacturers have increasingly adopted active vibration control systems (AVCSs) due to their superior performance with lower weight compared with passive devices. AVCSs can also maintain their performance over aircraft configuration and flight condition changes. As part of the development of AVCS software for light civil helicopter (LCH) applications, a test bench is constructed and vibration control tests and simulations are performed in this study. The test bench, which represents the airframe, is excited using a pair of counter rotating force generators (CRFGs) and a multiple input single output (MISO) AVCS that consists of three accelerometer sensors and a pair of CRFGs; a filtered-x least mean square (LMS) algorithm is applied for the vibration reduction. First, the vibration control tests are performed with uniform sensor weights; then, the change in the control performance according to changes in the sensor weight is investigated and compared with the simulation results. It is found that the vibration control performance can be tuned through adjusting the weights of the three sensors, even if only one actuator is used.

Parametric Analysis and Design Optimization of a Pyrotechnically Actuated Device

Abstract: A parametric study based on an unsteady mathematical model of a pyrotechnically actuated device was performed for design optimization. The model simulates time histories for the chamber pressure, temperature, mass transfer and pin motion. It is validated through a comparison with experimentally measured pressure and pin displacement. Parametric analyses were conducted to observe the detailed effects of the design parameters using a validated performance analysis code. The detailed effects of the design variables on the performance were evaluated using the one-at-a-time (OAT) method, while the scatter plot method was used to evaluate relative sensitivity. Finally, the design optimization was conducted by employing a genetic algorithm (GA). Six major design parameters for the GA were chosen based on the results of the sensitivity analysis. A fitness function was suggested, which included the following targets: minimum explosive mass for the uniform ignition (small deviation), light casing weight, short operational time, allowable pyrotechnic shock force and finally the designated pin kinetic energy. The propellant mass and cross-sectional area were the first and the second most sensitive parameters, which significantly affected the pin’s kinetic energy. Even though the peak chamber pressure decreased, the pin kinetic energy maintained its designated value because the widened pin cross-sectional area induced enough force at low pressure.

Simplified Analytical Model for Investigating the Output Power of Solar Array on Stratospheric Airship

Abstract: Solar energy is the ideal power choice for long-endurance stratospheric airships. The output performance of solar array on stratospheric airship is affected by several major factors: flying latitude, flight date, airship’s attitude and the temperature of solar cell, but the research on the effect of these factors on output performance is rare. This paper establishes a new simplified analytical model with thermal effects to analyze the output performance of the solar array. This model consisting of the geometric model of stratospheric airship, solar radiation model and incident solar radiation model is developed using MATLAB computer program. Based on this model, the effects of the major factors on the output performance of the solar array are investigated expediently and easily. In the course of the research, the output power of solar array is calculated for five airship’s latitudes of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45° and 60°, four special dates and different attitudes of five pitch angles and four yaw angles. The effect of these factors on output performance is discussed in detail. The results are helpful for solving the energy problem of the long endurance airship and planning the airline.

Development of Flight Control System and Troubleshooting on Flight Test of a Tilt-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Abstract: The full results of troubleshooting process related to the flight control system of a tilt-rotor type UAV in the flight tests are described. Flight tests were conducted in helicopter, conversion, and airplane modes. The vehicle was flown using automatic functions, which include speed-hold, altitude-hold, heading-hold, guidance modes, as well as automatic take-off and landing. Many unexpected problems occurred during the envelope expansion tests which were mostly under those automatic functions. The anomalies in helicopter mode include vortex ring state (VRS), long delay in the automatic take-off, and the initial overshoot in the automatic landing. In contrast, the anomalies in conversion mode are untrimmed AOS oscillation and the calibration errors of the air data sensors. The problems of low damping in rotor speed and roll rate responses are found in airplane mode. Once all of the known problems had been solved, the vehicle in airplane mode gradually reached the maximum design speed of 440km/h at the operation altitude of 3km. This paper also presents a comprehensive detailing of the control systems of the Tilt-rotor unmanned air vehicle (UAV).

Genetic algorithm–based scheduling for ground support of multiple satellites and antennae considering operation modes

Abstract: Given the unpredictability of the space environment, satellite communications are manually performed by exchanging telecommands and telemetry. Ground support for orbiting satellites is given only during limited periods of ground antenna visibility, which can result in conflicts when multiple satellites are present. This problem can be regarded as a scheduling problem of allocating antenna support (task) to limited visibility (resource). To mitigate unforeseen errors and costs associated with manual scheduling and mission planning, we propose a novel method based on a genetic algorithm to solve the ground support problem of multiple satellites and antennae with visibility conflicts. Numerous scheduling parameters, including user priority, emergency, profit, contact interval, support time, remaining resource, are considered to provide maximum benefit to users and real applications. The modeling and formulae are developed in accordance with the characteristics of satellite communication. To validate the proposed algorithm, 20 satellites and 3 ground antennae in the Korean peninsula are assumed and modeled using the satellite tool kit (STK). The proposed algorithm is applied to two operation modes: (i) telemetry, tracking, and command and (ii) payload. The results of the present study show near-optimal scheduling in both operation modes and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm to actual mission control systems.

A Highly Efficient Aeroelastic Optimization Method Based on a Surrogate Model

Abstract: This paper presents a highly efficient aeroelastic optimization method based on a surrogate model; the model is verified by considering the case of a high-aspect-ratio composite wing. Optimization frameworks using the Kriging model and genetic algorithm (GA), the Kriging model and improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO), and the back propagation neural network model (BP) and IPSO are presented. The feasibility of the method is verified, as the model can improve the optimization efficiency while also satisfying the engineering requirements. Moreover, the effects of the number of design variables and number of constraints on the optimization efficiency and objective function are analysed in detail. The accuracy of two surrogate models in aeroelastic optimization is also compared. The Kriging model is constructed more conveniently, and its predictive accuracy of the aeroelastic responses also satisfies the engineering requirements. According to the case of a high-aspect-ratio composite wing, the GA is better at global optimization.

Vision-based Guidance for Loitering over a Target

Abstract: This paper presents a vision-based guidance method that allows a fixed-wing aircraft to orbit around a target at a given radius. The guidance method uses a simple formula that regulates a relative side-bearing angle estimated by a vision system. The global asymptotic stability of the associated guidance law is demonstrated, and a linear analysis is performed to facilitate the proper selection of the relevant control parameters. A flight experiment is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the proposed guidance method.

Conceptual Design Optimization of Tensairity Girder Using Variable Complexity Modeling Method

Abstract: Tensairity girder is a light weight inflatable fabric structural concept which can be used in road emergency transportation. It uses low pressure air to stabilize compression elements against buckling. With the purpose of obtaining the comprehensive target of minimum deflection and weight under ultimate load, the cross-section and the inner pressure of tensairity girder was optimized in this paper. The Variable Complexity Modeling (VCM) method was used in this paper combining the Kriging approximate method with the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method, which was implemented by ABAQUS. In the Kriging method, the sample points of the surrogate model were outlined by Design of Experiment (DOE) technique based on Optimal Latin Hypercube. The optimization framework was constructed in iSIGHT with a global optimization method, Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm (MIGA), followed by a local optimization method, Sequential Quadratic Program (SQP). The result of the optimization gives a prominent conceptual design of the tensairity girder, which approves the solution architecture of VCM is feasible and efficient. Furthermore, a useful trend of sensitivity between optimization variables and responses was performed to guide future design. It was proved that the inner pressure is the key parameter to balance the maximum Von Mises stress and deflection on tensairity girder, and the parameters of cross section impact the mass of tensairity girder obviously.

Optimal Design of a High-Agility Satellite with Composite Solar Panels

Abstract: This paper defines mode shape function of a composite solar panel assumed as Kirchhoff-Love plate for considering a torsional mode of composite solar panel. It then goes on to define dynamic model of a high-agility satellite considering the flexibility of composite solar panel as well as stiffness of a solar panel’s hinge using Lagrange’s theorem, Ritz method and the mode shape function. Furthermore, this paper verifies the validity of dynamic model by comparing numerical results from the finite element analysis. In addition, this paper performs a dynamic response analysis of a rigid satellite which includes only natural modes for solar panel’s hinges and a flexible satellite which includes not only natural modes of solar panel’s hinges, but also structural modes of composite solar panels. According to the results, we confirm that the torsional mode of solar panel should be considered for the structural design of high-agility satellite. Finally, we performed optimization of high-agility satellite for minimizing mass with solar panel’s area limit using the defined dynamic model. Consequently, we observed that the defined dynamic model for a high-agility satellite and result of the optimal design are very useful not only because of their optimal structural design but also because of the dynamic analysis of the satellite.

FPGA-based design and implementation of data acquisition and real-time processing for laser ultrasound propagation

Abstract: Ultrasonic propagation imaging (UPI) has shown great potential for detection of impairments in complex structures and can be used in wide range of non-destructive evaluation and structural health monitoring applications. The software implementation of such algorithms showed a tendency in time-consumption with increment in scan area because the processor shares its resources with a number of programs running at the same time. This issue was addressed by using field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) that is a dedicated processing solution and used for high speed signal processing algorithms. For this purpose, we need an independent and flexible block of logic which can be used with continuously evolvable hardware based on FPGA. In this paper, we developed an FPGA-based ultrasonic propagation imaging system, where FPGA functions for both data acquisition system and real-time ultrasonic signal processing. The developed UPI system using FPGA board provides better cost-effectiveness and resolution than digitizers, and much faster signal processing time than CPU which was tested using basic ultrasonic propagation algorithms such as ultrasonic wave propagation imaging and multi-directional adjacent wave subtraction. Finally, a comparison of results for processing time between a CPU-based UPI system and the novel FPGA-based system were presented to justify the objective of this research.

Wing Design Optimization for a Long-Endurance UAV using FSI Analysis and the Kriging Method

Abstract: In this study, wing design optimization for long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is investigated. The fluid-structure integration (FSI) analysis is carried out to simulate the aeroelastic characteristics of a high-aspect ratio wing for a long-endurance UAV. High-fidelity computational codes, FLUENT and DIAMOND/IPSAP, are employed for the loose coupling FSI optimization. In addition, this optimization procedure is improved by adopting the design of experiment (DOE) and Kriging model. A design optimization tool, PIAnO, integrates with an in-house codes, CAE simulation and an optimization process for generating the wing geometry/computational mesh, transferring information, and finding the optimum solution. The goal of this optimization is to find the best high-aspect ratio wing shape that generates minimum drag at a cruise condition of C L = 1.0. The result shows that the optimal wing shape produced 5.95 % less drag compared to the initial wing shape.

Experimental and Computational Study on Separation Control Performance of Synthetic Jets with Circular Exit

Abstract: This paper presents experimental and computational investigations of synthetic jets with a circular exit for improving flow control performance. First, the flow feature and vortex structure of a multiple serial circular exit were numerically analyzed from the view point of flow control effect under a cross flow condition. In order to improve separation control performance, experimental and numerical studies were conducted according to several key parameters, such as hole diameter, hole gap, the number of hole, jet array, and phase difference. Experiments were carried out in a quiescent condition and a forced separated flow condition using piezoelectrically driven synthetic jets. Jet characteristics were compared by measuring velocity profiles and pressure distributions. The interaction of synthetic jets with a freestream was examined by analyzing vortical structure characteristics. For separation control performance, separated flow over an airfoil at high angles of attack was employed and the flow control performance of the proposed synthetic jet was verified by measuring aerodynamic coefficient. The circular exit with a suitable hole parameter provides stable and persistent jet vortices that do beneficially affect separation control. This demonstrates the flow control performance of circular exit array could be remarkably improved by applying a set of suitable hole parameters.

An Adaptive Complementary Filter For Gyroscope/Vision Integrated Attitude Estimation

Abstract: An attitude estimation algorithm which integrates gyroscope and vision measurements using an adaptive complementary filter is proposed in this paper. In order to make the filter more tolerant to vision measurement fault and more robust to system dynamics, fuzzy interpolator is applied. For recognizing the dynamic condition of the system and vision measurement fault, the cut-off frequency of the complementary filter is determined adaptively by using the fuzzy logic with designed membership functions. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by experiments and it is confirmed that proposed algorithm works well in the static or dynamic condition.

Efficient Measurement System to Investigate Micro-Doppler Signature of Ballistic Missile

Abstract: Micro-Doppler (MD) shift caused by the micro-motion of a ballistic missile (BM) can be very useful to identify it. In this paper, the MD signatures of three scale-model BMs are investigated using a portable measurement system. The measurement system consists of an X-band 2-by-2 phase comparison mono-pulse radar, and a mechanical device that can impart controlled spinning and coning motions simultaneously to a model to yield the MD signature that replicates the characteristic of each target and the corresponding micro-motion. The coning motion determined the overall period of MD, and the spinning motion increased its amplitude. MD was also dependent on aspect angle. The designed system is portable, and can implement many micro-motions; it will contribute to analysis of MD in various situations.

Attitude Control System Design & Verification for CNUSAIL-1 with Solar/Drag Sail

Abstract: CNUSAIL-1, to be launched into low-earth orbit, is a cubesat-class satellite equipped with a 2 m × 2 m solar sail. One of CNUSAIL’s missions is to deploy its solar sail system, thereby deorbiting the satellite, at the end of the satellite’s life. This paper presents the design results of the attitude control system for CNUSAIL-1, which maintains the normal vector of the sail by a 3-axis active attitude stabilization approach. The normal vector can be aligned in two orientations: i) along the anti-nadir direction, which minimizes the aerodynamic drag during the nadir-pointing mode, or ii) along the satellite velocity vector, which maximizes the drag during the deorbiting mode. The attitude control system also includes a B-dot controller for detumbling and an eigen-axis maneuver algorithm. The actuators for the attitude control are magnetic torquers and reaction wheels. The feasibility and performance of the design are verified in high-fidelity nonlinear simulations.

An Experimental Study on the Characteristics of Rectangular Supersonic Jet on a Flat Plate

Abstract: The present study focuses on the characteristics of a supersonic jet flowing from a rectangular nozzle exit on a flat plate. Flow visualization techniques using schlieren and kerosene-lampblack tracing are utilized to investigate shock reflection structures and boundary-layer separations over a flat plate. Wall pressure measurements are also carried out to quantitatively analyze the flow structures. All observations are repeated for multiple jet flow boundary conditions by varying the flap length and nozzle pressure ratio. The experimental results show that the jet flow structures over the flat plate are highly three-dimensional with strong bleeding flows from the plate sides, and that they are sensitive to plate length and nozzle pressure ratio. A multicomponent force measurement device is also utilized to observe the characteristics of the jet flow thrust vectoring over the plate. The maximum thrust deflection angle of the jet is about 8°, demonstrating the applicability of thrust vector control via a flat plate installed at the nozzle exit.

Design Optimization of Composite Radar Absorbing Structures to Improve Stealth Performance

Abstract: In this study, an efficient method of designing laminate composite radar absorbing structures (RAS) is proposed with consideration given to the structural shape so as to improve aircraft stealth performance. The calculation of the radar cross section (RCS) should be decreased to enhance the efficiency of the stochastic optimization when designing an RAS. In the proposed method, RAS are optimized to match up the input impedance of the minimal RCS, which is obtained by using physical optics and the transmission line theory. Single and double layer dielectric RAS for aircraft wings are employed as numerical examples and designed using the proposed method, RCS minimization and reflection coefficient minimization. The availability of the proposed method is assessed by comparing the similarity of the results and computation time with other design methods. According to the results, the proposed method produces the same results as the stochastic optimization, which adopts the RCS as the objective function, and can improve RAS design efficiency by reducing the number of RCS analyses.

Effects of Inlet Turbulence Conditions and Near-wall Treatment Methods on Heat Transfer Prediction over Gas Turbine Vanes

Abstract: This paper investigates the effects of inlet turbulence conditions and near-wall treatment methods on the heat transfer prediction of gas turbine vanes within the range of engine relevant turbulence conditions. The two near-wall treatment methods, the wall-function and low-Reynolds number method, were combined with the SST and ωRSM turbulence model. Additionally, the RNG k-e, SSG RSM, and SST+γ-Reθ transition model were adopted for the purpose of comparison. All computations were conducted using a commercial CFD code, CFX, considering a three-dimensional, steady, compressible flow. The conjugate heat transfer method was applied to all simulation cases with internally cooled NASA turbine vanes. The CFD results at mid-span were compared with the measured data under different inlet turbulence conditions. In the SST solutions, on the pressure side, both the wall-function and low-Reynolds number method exhibited a reasonable agreement with the measured data. On the suction side, however, both wall-function and low-Reynolds number method failed to predict the variations of heat transfer coefficient and temperature caused by boundary layer flow transition. In the ωRSM results, the wall-function showed reasonable predictions for both the heat transfer coefficient and temperature variations including flow transition onset on suction side, but, low-Reynolds methods did not properly capture the variation of the heat transfer coefficient. The SST+γ-Reθ transition model showed variation of the heat transfer coefficient on the transition regions, but did not capture the proper transition onset location, and was found to be much more sensitive to the inlet turbulence length scale. Overall, the Reynolds stress model and wall function configuration showed the reasonable predictions in presented cases.

Extending Ionospheric Correction Coverage Area By Using A Neural Network Method

Abstract: The coverage area of a GNSS regional ionospheric delay model is mainly determined by the distribution of GNSS ground monitoring stations. Extrapolation of the ionospheric model data can extend the coverage area. An extrapolation algorithm, which combines observed ionospheric delay with the environmental parameters, is proposed. Neural network and least square regression algorithms are developed to utilize the combined input data. The bi-harmonic spline method is also tested for comparison. The IGS ionosphere map data is used to simulate the delays and to compute the extrapolation error statistics. The neural network method outperforms the other methods and demonstrates a high extrapolation accuracy. In order to determine the directional characteristics, the estimation error is classified into four direction components. The South extrapolation area yields the largest estimation error followed by North area, which yields the second-largest error.

Electrical Design of a Solar Array for LEO Satellites

Abstract: During daylight, the solar array of low earth orbit satellites harvests electrical power to operate satellites. The power conversion of the solar array is carried out by control of the operation point using the solar array regulator when the solar array faces the sunlight. Thus, the design of the solar array should comply with not only the power requirement of satellite system but also the input voltage requirement of the solar array regulator. In this paper, the design requirements of the solar array for low earth orbit satellites are defined, and the means of satisfying these requirements are described. In addition, the architecture of a multi-distributed interface is suggested to maximize the power harvested from a solar array having high temperature deviation between each panel. The power analysis in this paper shows the optimal number of multi-distributed interfaces with a converter.

RCS Numerical Simulation of Stealth Modified Three-Surface Aircraft

Abstract: The RCS characteristics of stealth modified three-surface aircraft are analyzed in this paper. Prototype A is built with CATIA software and the three-dimensional digital models of modified stealth three-surface B and C are also designed based on carrier-based aircraft Su-33; the numerical simulation of RCS characteristics of three-surface aircraft is conducted with RCSAnsys software based on physical optics method and the method of equivalent currents; The following results are obtained by comparative analysis and mathematical statistics: (1) by the use of physical optics method and equivalent electromagnetic current method, the scattering intensity for each part of the model and RCS characteristic of the aircraft can be analyzed efficiently and accurately; (2) compared with model A, the mean RCS value of model B is reduced to 14.1% in forward direction and 48.1% in lateral direction; (3) compared with model A, the mean RCS value of model C decreases to 11.4% in forward direction and 21.6% in lateral direction. The results are expected to provide theoretical basis and technical support to the conceptual design of aircraft and stealth technology research.

Dynamic Simulation and Analysis of the Space Shuttle Main Engine with Artificially Injected Faults

Abstract: Securing the safety and the reliability of liquid-propellant rocket engines (LREs) for space vehicles is indispensable as engines consist of many complex components and operate under extremely high energy-dense conditions. Thus, health monitoring has become a mandatory requirement, especially for the reusable LREs that are currently being developed. In this context, a dynamic simulation program based on MATLAB/Simulink was developed in the current research on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), a partly reusable engine. Then, a series of fault simulations using this program was conducted: at a steady state operating condition (104% Rated Propulsion Level), various simulated fault conditions were artificially injected into the simulation models for the five major valves, the pumps, and the turbines of the SSME. The consequent effects due to each fault were analyzed based on the time responses of the major parameters of the engine. It is believed that this research topic is an essential pre-step for the development of fault detection and diagnosis algorithms for reusable engines in the future.

Prediction of Aerodynamic Loads for NREL Phase VI Wind Turbine Blade in Yawed Condition

Abstract: Aerodynamic loads for a horizontal axis wind turbine of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Phase VI rotor in yawed condition were predicted by using the blade element momentum theorem. The classical blade element momentum theorem was complemented by several aerodynamic corrections and models including the Pitt and Peters’ yaw correction, Buhl’s wake correction, Prandtl’s tip loss model, Du and Selig’s three-dimensional (3-D) stall delay model, etc. Changes of the aerodynamic loads according to the azimuth angle acting on the span-wise location of the NREL Phase VI blade were compared with the experimental data with various yaw angles and inflow speeds. The computational flow chart for the classical blade element momentum theorem was adequately modified to accurately calculate the combined functions of additional corrections and models stated above. A successive under-relaxation technique was developed and applied to prevent possible failure during the iteration process. Changes of the angle of attack according to the azimuth angle at the specified radial location of the blade were also obtained. The proposed numerical procedure was verified, and the predicted data of aerodynamic loads for the NREL Phase VI rotor bears an extremely close resemblance to those of the experimental data.

Time-varying modal parameters identification of large flexible spacecraft using a recursive algorithm

Abstract: In existing identification methods for on-orbit spacecraft, such as eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) and subspace method identification (SMI), singular value decomposition (SVD) is used frequently to estimate the modal parameters. However, these identification methods are often used to process the linear time-invariant system, and there is a lower computation efficiency using the SVD when the system order of spacecraft is high. In this study, to improve the computational efficiency in identifying time-varying modal parameters of large spacecraft, a faster recursive algorithm called fast approximated power iteration (FAPI) is employed. This approach avoids the SVD and can be provided as an alternative spacecraft identification method, and the latest modal parameters obtained can be applied for updating the controller parameters timely (e.g. the self-adaptive control problem). In numerical simulations, two large flexible spacecraft models, the Engineering Test Satellite-VIII (ETS-VIII) and Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP) satellite, are established. The identification results show that this recursive algorithm can obtain the time-varying modal parameters, and the computation time is reduced significantly.

On-Board Orbit Propagator and Orbit Data Compression for Lunar Explorer using B-spline

Abstract: In this paper, an on-board orbit propagator and compressing trajectory method based on B-spline for a lunar explorer are proposed. An explorer should recognize its own orbit for a successful mission operation. Generally, orbit determination is periodically performed at the ground station, and the computed orbit information is subsequently uploaded to the explorer, which would generate a heavy workload for the ground station and the explorer. A high-performance computer at the ground station is employed to determine the orbit required for the explorer in the parking orbit of Earth. The method not only reduces the workload of the ground station and the explorer, but also increases the orbital prediction accuracy. Then, the data was compressed into coefficients within a given tolerance using B-spline. The compressed data is then transmitted to the explorer efficiently. The data compression is maximized using the proposed methods. The methods are compared with a fifth order polynomial regression method. The results show that the proposed method has the potential for expansion to various deep space probes.