Adaptive path planning for unmanned aerial vehicles based on bi-level programming and variable planning time interval

This paper presents an adaptive path planner for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to adapt a real-time path search procedure to variations and fluctuations of UAVs’ relevant performances, with respect to sensory capability, maneuverability, and flight velocity limit. On the basis of a novel adaptability-involved problem statement, bi-level programming (BLP) and variable planning step techniques are introduced to model the necessary path planning components and then an adaptive path planner is developed for the purpose of adaptation and optimization. Additionally, both probabilistic-risk-based obstacle avoidance and performance limits are described as path search constraints to guarantee path safety and navigability. A discrete-search-based path planning solution, embedded with four optimization strategies, is especially designed for the planner to efficiently generate optimal flight paths in complex operational spaces, within which different surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) are deployed. Simulation results in challenging and stochastic scenarios firstly demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed planner, and then verify its great adaptability and relative stability when planning optimal paths for a UAV with changing or fluctuating performances.     

Tool path generation for 5-axis flank milling of ruled surfaces with optimal cutter locations considering multiple geometric constraints

Ruled surfaces found in engineering parts are often blended with a constraint surface,like the blade surface and hub surface of a centrifugal impeller. It is significant to accurately machine these ruled surfaces in flank milling with interference-free and fairing tool path, while current models in fulfilling these goals are complex and rare. In this paper, a tool path planning method with optimal cutter locations(CLs) is proposed for 5-axis flank milling of ruled surfaces under multiple geometr...     

Optimization of beamforming and path planning for UAV-assisted wireless relay networks

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles （UAVs） acting as relay platforms have attracted considerable attention due to the advantages of extending coverage and improving connectivity for long-range communications. Specifically, in the scenario where the access point （AP） is mobile, a UAV needs to find an efficient path to guarantee the connectivity of the relay link. Motivated by this fact, this paper proposes an optimal design for beamforming （BF） and UAV path planning. First of all, we study a dual-hop amplify-and-forward （AF） wireless relay network, in which a UAV is used as relay between a mobile AP and a fixed base station （BS）. In the network, both of the AP and the BS are equipped with multiple antennas, whereas the UAV has a single antenna. Then, we obtain the output signal~to-noise ratio （SNR） of the dual-hop relay network. Based on the criterion of maximizing the output SNR, we develop an optimal design to obtain the solution of the optimal BF weight vector and the UAV heading angle. Next, we derive the closed-form outage probability （OP） expression to investigate the performance of the dual-hop relay network conveniently. Finally, computer simulations show that the proposed approach can obtain nearly optimal flying path and OP performance, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, we find that increasing the antenna number at the BS or the maximal heading angle can significantly improve the performance of the considered relay network.     

Flight safety measurements of UAVs in congested airspace

Describing spatial safety status is crucial for high-density air traffic involving multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a complex environment. A probabilistic approach is proposed to measure safety situation in congested airspace. The occupancy distribution of the airspace is represented with conflict probability between spatial positions and UAV. The concept of a safety envelope related to flight performance and response time is presented first instead of the conventional fixed-size protected zones around aircraft. Consequently, the conflict probability is performance-dependent, and effects of various UAVs on safety can be distinguished. The uncer-tainty of a UAV future position is explicitly accounted for as Brownian motion. An analytic approximate algorithm for the conflict probability is developed to decrease the computational consumption. The relationship between safety and flight performance are discussed for different response times and prediction intervals. To illustrate the applications of the approach, an experi-ment of three UAVs in formation flight is performed. In addition, an example of trajectory planning is simulated for one UAV flying over airspace where five UAVs exist. The validation of the approach shows its potential in guaranteeing flight safety in highly dynamic environment.     

PREDICTIVE CONTROL FOR OPTIMAL PATH TERRAIN FOLLOWING SYSTEM

In this paper output predictive algorithm is applied to the design of predictive controller for an optimal path terrain following system. In this way, the error of path tracking is decreased to a minimum degree simply and efficiently and the computation time for the optimal path is shortened greatly. Therefore, the real-time processing of the optimal path terrain following system is made to be very helpful.     

Reentry trajectory optimization for hypersonic vehicle satisfying complex constraints

The reentry trajectory optimization for hypersonic vehicle（HV）is a current problem of great interest.Some complex constraints,such as waypoints for reconnaissance and no-fly zones for threat avoidance,are inevitably involved in a global strike mission.Of the many direct methods,Gauss pseudospectral method（GPM）has been demonstrated as an effective tool to solve the trajectory optimization problem with typical constraints.However,a series of diffculties arises for complex constraints,such as the uncertainty of passage time for waypoints and the inaccuracy of approximate trajectory near no-fly zones.The research herein proposes a multi-phase technique based on the GPM to generate an optimal reentry trajectory for HV satisfying waypoint and nofly zone constraints.Three kinds of specifc breaks are introduced to divide the full trajectory into multiple phases.The continuity conditions are presented to ensure a smooth connection between each pair of phases.Numerical examples for reentry trajectory optimization in free-space flight and with complex constraints are used to demonstrate the proposed technique.Simulation results show the feasible application of multi-phase technique in reentry trajectory optimization with waypoint and no-fly zone constraints.     

A parameterized geometry design method for inward turning inlet compatible waverider

Intensive studies have been carried out on generations of waverider geometry and hypersonic inlet geometry. However, integration efforts of waverider and related air-intake system are restricted majorly around the X43A-like or conical flow field induced configuration, which adopts mainly the two-dimensional air-breathing technology and limits the judicious visions of developing new aerodynamic profiles for hypersonic designers. A novel design approach for integrating the inward turning inlet with the traditional parameterized waverider is proposed. The proposed method is an alternative means to produce a compatible configuration by linking the off-the-shelf results on both traditional waverider techniques and inward turning inlet techniques. A series of geometry generations and optimization solutions is proposed to enhance the lift-to-drag ratio. A quantitative but efficient aerodynamic performance evaluation approach （the hypersonic flow panel method） with lower computational cost is employed to play the role of objective function for opti- mization purpose. The produced geometry compatibility with a computational fluid dynamics （CFD） solver is also verified for detailed flow field investigation. Optimization results and other numerical validations are obtained for the feasibility demonstration of the proposed method.     

Determination of optimal samples for robot calibration based on error similarity

Industrial robots are used for automatic drilling and riveting.The absolute position accuracy of an industrial robot is one of the key performance indexes in aircraft assembly,and can be improved through error compensation to meet aircraft assembly requirements.The achievable accuracy and the difficulty of accuracy compensation implementation are closely related to the choice of sampling points.Therefore,based on the error similarity error compensation method,a method for choosing sampling points on a uniform grid is proposed.A simulation is conducted to analyze the influence of the sample point locations on error compensation.In addition,the grid steps of the sampling points are optimized using a statistical analysis method.The method is used to generate grids and optimize the grid steps of a Kuka KR-210 robot.The experimental results show that the method for planning sampling data can be used to effectively optimize the sampling grid.After error compensation,the position accuracy of the robot meets the position accuracy requirements.     

Electrochemical machining of a convex strips structure on a revolving part by using site directed power interruption

Revolving parts with complex surface structures are widely used in machinery and mechanical equipment. The ECM process provides its adequacy to cut hard materials with different shapes, and its applications are widely increased, due to its outstanding advantages. In this paper, a new method for machining a convex strips structure on a cylinder by using site directed power interruption(SDPI) in the ECM process is presented. A variable correction value of the power-off time was defined and optimized to obtain the ideal interval for better machining accuracy and stability.The electric field distribution and the simulated convex profiles show that the stray current density can be reduced effectively by using the proposed method. The correction value has an important influence on the machining accuracy. A suitable correction value in the range of 0.6–1.2 s can effectively improve the machining accuracy of the convex strips structure. Experiments were also conducted to verify the proposed method. Results have confirmed that the stray corrosion on the convex strips surface is significantly reduced and the machining accuracy of convex strips structure is remarkably improved by using the proposed method with a suitable correction value in the ECM process. Finally, a convex strip with a height of 2 mm on a thin-wall revolving part was also produced successfully using a correction value of 0.9.     

基于流水避石原理的无人机三维航路规划方法

借鉴自然界流水避石现象,提出一种基于流体计算的无人机(UAV)三维(3D)航路规划方法.首先介绍了球心位于坐标原点时,球形障碍三维绕流问题的解析解.之后采用旋转平移矩阵与流线数据叠加方法生成了任意位置多障碍同时存在的三维流线.为验证解析解的有效性同时给出该方法基于数值模拟的计算过程,对适合无人机三维航路规划的流体模型和数值求解方法进行了分析,并给出了通过数值模拟求解航路的方法.最后,根据无人机机动约束对流线进行处理得到可飞航路,将航路长度、纵向和横侧向机动次数作为子目标函数对航路进行综合评价.仿真结果表明:解析法航路规划中,圆球障碍的地形建模简单计算量小,航路集中在由起点至终点的航路带间;数值法航路规划适合障碍分布复杂的地形,航路分布于规划空间中.这两种方法的航路平滑,能够满足无人机飞行约束,航路具有绕流意义的最优性,可以避免势场法的局部极小问题,并且可以提供多条备选航路.     

基于改进A*算法的UUV冰下避障航迹规划算法

针对冰下避障航迹规划问题,提出了一种基于改进A*算法的三维冰下避障航迹规划算法.不同于传统的A*航迹规划算法,该算法结合了人工势场航迹规划算法的思想,将水下地形碰撞约束、海冰碰撞约束以及UUV巡航高度约束重新编排.算法分析表明,该避障航迹规划算法能够有效增强UUV冰下避障能力与定深巡航高度控制能力.基于改进的A*冰下避障航迹规划算法,给出了上述约束的设计方法并进行了仿真验证.仿真结果表明,基于上述约束的航迹规划算法具有良好的避障能力、巡航高度控制能力以及航行距离控制能力.     

A newly bio-inspired path planning algorithm for autonomous obstacle avoidance of UAV

In this paper, a bio-inspired path planning algorithm in 3D space is proposed. The algorithm imitates the basic mechanisms of plant growth, including phototropism, negative geotropism and branching. The algorithm proposed in this paper solves the dynamic obstacle avoidance path planning problem of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the case of unknown environment maps. Compared with other path planning algorithms, the algorithm has the advantages of fast path planning speed and fewer route points, and can achieve the effect of low delay real-time path planning. The feasibility of the algorithm is verified in the Gazebo simulator based on the Robot Operating System (ROS) platform. Finally, an actual UAV autonomous obstacle avoidance path planning experimental platform is built, and a UAV obstacle avoidance path planning flight test is carried out based on this actual environment.     

UAV feasible path planning based on disturbed fluid and trajectory propagation

In this paper, a novel algorithm based on disturbed fluid and trajectory propagation is developed to solve the three-dimensional(3-D) path planning problem of unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) in static environment.Firstly, inspired by the phenomenon of streamlines avoiding obstacles, the algorithm based on disturbed fluid is developed and broadened.The effect of obstacles on original fluid field is quantified by the perturbation matrix, where the tangential matrix is first introduced.By modifying the original flow field, the modified one is then obtained, where the streamlines can be regarded as planned paths.And the path proves to avoid all obstacles smoothly and swiftly, follow the shape of obstacles effectively and reach the destination eventually.Then, by considering the kinematics and dynamics equations of UAV, the method called trajectory propagation is adopted to judge the feasibility of the path.If the planned path is unfeasible, repulsive and tangential parameters in the perturbation matrix will be adjusted adaptively based on the resolved state variables of UAV.In most cases, a flyable path can be obtained eventually.Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of this method.     

基于改进人工势场算法的无人机群避障算法研究

针对无人机运动避障人工势场算法本身存在的极小值问题和局部最小值问题，采用改进的人工势场算法，提出了一种新的路径规划方法。不同于目前的人工势场法，该模型从双机相互作用开始，在障碍物斥力的基础上，增加了无人机之间的斥力，同时定义集群的前置形心作为另一个引力源。算法分析表明，该方法能够有效避免无人机陷入局部最小值，并增强了无人机机群的控制和避障能力。基于该无人机控制模型，给出了路径规划设计并进行了仿真实验。实验结果表明，基于该模型的无人机机群控制具有更好的避障性能和追踪目标的能力。     

基于不规则障碍物环境下无人机的改进几何路径规划算法

随着无人机应用环境的多样化,在复杂环境中寻找无碰撞路径是非常重要的。传统的路径规划算法可以找到可行的路径,但它们在时间效率和路径长度之间没有很好的平衡,传统的几何算法只能避免特殊形状的障碍物。提出了一种改进的几何路径规划算法,使无人机能够在复杂的环境中避开任意形状的障碍物,找到较短的路径。首先,针对不规则障碍物,建立了凸多边形覆盖模型。然后解决了传统几何算法陷入局部最优解的缺点。提出了从相邻路径段生成无碰撞路径的二次规划思想,并针对该方法提出了一种新的安全阀值策略。最后,为了验证算法的性能,在不同的复杂环境下进行了仿真,并从几个方面对所提出的算法与A*算法进行了对比分析。     

基于零空间方法的四旋翼无人机避障与协同编队控制

针对四旋翼无人机在编队飞行执行任务时可能遭遇障碍物问题,考虑多无人机避障及机间避撞的需求,提出 1种基于零空间方法的四旋翼无人机避障与协同编队控制算法。首先,建立四旋翼无人机动力学模型,并建立虚拟控制量简化控制模型;其次,基于零空间方法进行避障与协同编队控制算法研究,将无人机任务执行分解为目标趋向任务、避障避撞任务和协同编队任务,并根据优先级进行任务融合得到期望速度;再次,基于 PID方法设计控制律;最后,通过仿真验证所提控制算法的有效性。所提方法可保证四旋翼无人机在编队飞行中遭遇障碍物时的飞行安全。     

基于改进RRT算法的无人机航路规划与跟踪方法研究

为了使航路规划算法在三维动态环境下能够快速规划出较优可行航路,基于快速扩展随机树算法(RRT),对规划航路点进行了无人机飞行动力学约束,并且设计了局部航路动态优化策略。针对传统的航路跟踪控制律跟踪较为曲折的航线时跟踪误差较大的问题,通过将规划算法得出的姿态指令引入姿态控制回路的方式,提高了航路跟踪控制算法的快速性与准确性。在此基础上,搭建了无人机验证平台,利用该验证平台完成了无人机自主避障飞行试验,对算法的有效性进行了验证,并对算法性能进行了评估。     

基于障碍凸化的改进环流APF路径规划

为改善人工势场法（APF）在复杂障碍环境下的路径规划能力，提出基于障碍凸化的改进环流APF路径规划方法。通过改变APF方法斥力势场的方向，使其形成绕行障碍边缘的环流，改善了APF方法在平台-目标位置连线与障碍边界垂直时可能陷入局部极小值的问题。针对多边形障碍（凹、凸）与圆形障碍，给出包括障碍初始化与相交障碍集合迭代凸化步骤的障碍凸化方法，将复杂障碍空间转换成为凸障碍的空间，避免平台进入凹多边形或相交障碍产生的凹区域而无解的问题。在仿真环境中，对比了传统APF方法、未使用障碍凸化的环流APF方法、使用障碍凸化的环流APF方法的路径规划结果，并分析了不同障碍数量、相交障碍数量条件下的方法计算耗时。根据结果，使用障碍凸化的环流APF方法能够明显改善APF方法在复杂障碍环境下的路径规划能力，方法实时性好，每个障碍所需的单步计算耗时约为0.02~0.03 ms，能够支持平台在复杂障碍环境下的在线路径规划。     

一种基于Hopfield神经网络的TF／TA航迹规划算法

提出一种基于Hopfield神经网络的无人机地形跟随(TF)/地形回避(TA)迹规划方法.该方法将地研信息反映到算法参数连接权中,利用扩展的Hopfield模型结合无人机约束实现航迹安全、合理的规划.仿真实验证明该方法能获得满意的TF/TA航迹.