Flight Dynamics and Control of a Morphing UAV: Bio-inspired by Natural Fliers
Abstract
The majority of research on morphing aircraft has focused on developing adaptive structures and smart mechanisms to facilitate shape changes. However, the impacts of morphing on the flight dynamics and control of the aircraft have been given minor attention. The severe and rapid changes in geometry, mass distribution, and center of gravity have a great impact on the stability, control, and dynamics of the aircraft. During the transitional phase while the aircraft is morphing from one state to another, its dynamics, stability and control, and aeroelastic behavior will vary significantly. These variations have a direct impact on the design of the structure, control law, and actuation system as they may excite some unstable flight dynamics mode(s).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2016
- Source ID
- FA95501510422
Entities
People
- Rafic Ajaj
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Southampton