Performance and Stability Analysis of the Non-Linear Dynamics of a Simple Powered Lifting Hypersonic Vehicle Flying on a Minor Circle.

Abstract

The nonlinear equations of motion for a hypersonic vehicle flying on a minor circle were modeled using the control design and simulation software package, MATRIXx. The model includes earth rotation and gravity gradient effects. Aerodynamic forces and moments are expressed as first order Taylor series expansions using the full nonlinear expression for the dynamic pressure. Minor circle equilibrium flight conditions are generated via a Newton iteration technique (Turbo Pascal program) for both a rotating and non-rotating earth model. Equilibrium performance over speeds from Mach 5 to Mach 40 and 0 to 85 degree latitudes at east and west flight headings are compared. The speed and latitude determine equilibrium bank angles, altitude, and roll, pitch, yaw control moments (to sustain minor circle flight). These parameters are analyzed to assess equilibrium performance. Results show that earth rotation and gravity gradient torques have significant effects on performance. The system is shown (via MATRIXx) to be marginally unstable. For near-major circle routes, the modes are poorly damped and decoupled into lateral and longitudinal modes. For mid-latitude minor circle routes, the modes are poorly damped and coupled. However, the modes are comprised of either mostly longitudinal or mostly lateral states. For minor circle latitudes greater than 65 deg, we see poorly damped coupled modes, with new mode shapes appearing as equilibrium speeds increase.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA243933

Entities

People

  • Mark A. Zavala

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Earth Models
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Hypersonic Vehicles
  • Latitude
  • Models
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Rotation
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flight