Autonomous Aerodynamic Control of Micro Air Vehicles
Abstract
This effort helped to solidify the linkage between the aerodynamic and guidance and control aspects of micro air vehicles. Micro air vehicles are characterized by small vehicle size (O 10 centimeters), low flight speeds (O 10 meters per second), and low Reynolds number (O 10,000 - 100,000). These micro air vehicles (MAVs) are unique in the fact that they are inherently multi-functional systems. That is, sub-systems within the MAV perform more than one task. In this regard, aerodynamic and guidance and control aspects of the MAVs need to be developed in concert. New methods for guidance and control, such as vision-based and biometrically-inspired methods, will rely on detailed understanding of the MAV aerodynamic characteristics to be effective. This effort focused on the influence of flexible airframes to provide for a much more robust airframe for micro-class air vehicles. Results demonstrated that airframes with inherent flexibility are more tolerant to disturbances (i.e., gusts) and are better suited to relevant Air Force Missions. Future work will focus on the tuning of the vehicle structure and sensing of vehicle deformations to provide enhanced control.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 19, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513695
Entities
People
- Gregg Abate
- Judson Babcock
- Kelly Stewart
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory