Modeling and Control of a Trailing Wire Antenna Towed by an Orbiting Aircraft
Abstract
A model of the dynamics of a long trailing-wire antenna towed behind an orbiting aircraft was developed and then an investigation was made of several candidate schemes to control the wire's steady-state shape and oscillations due to wind gradients. A computer simulation was developed using the classic vibrating chain with free/fixed boundary conditions superimposed upon the wire's steady-state shape and tension distribution. Several forms of restorative and dissipative forces were considered in the analysis. The validity of the superposition approach was demonstrated for a wide operating range. A control law was developed which modulated the towplane orbit radius and demonstrated a potential for a 50 percent or better reduction in all oscillations. A second scheme using a controllable drogue at the trailing end of the wire was investigated. The controllable drogue had a limited success in oscillation reduction, but was found useful in tailoring the steady state shape of the wire. Towed Cable, Towed Wire, Dangling Chain, Vibrating String, Cantilevered Beam, TACAMO.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA256450
Entities
People
- James M. Clifton
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School