Regularities between kinematic and aerodynamic characteristics of flexible membrane wing

The kinematic characteristics of flexible membrane wing have vital influences on its aerodynamic characteristics. To deeply explore the regularities between them, time-resolved aerodynamic forces and deformations at different aeroelastic parameters and angles of attack (α) were measured synchronously by wind tunnel experiments. The membrane motion can be mainly divided into two states at α > 0° with various lift-enhancement regularities: Deformed-Steady State (DSS) at pre-stall, and Dynamic Balance State (DBS) at around stall and post-stall. Besides, the mean camber, maximum vibration amplitude, and lift coefficient almost reach their maxima simultaneously within the DBS region. By introducing momentum coefficient C_μ of membrane vibration, positive correlation among amplitude, momentum and lift is successfully established, and the lift-enhancement mechanism of membrane vibration is revealed. Moreover, it is newly and surprisingly found that at different vibration modes, the maximum vibration amplitude and root mean square of vibration velocity present positive and linear correlation with different slopes, and their chordwise locations are basically consistent. Therefore, novel ideas for active control of flexible wing are proposed: by controlling the vibration amplitude, frequency, and mode, while selecting the specific chordwise locations for intensive excitation, C_μ can be efficiently increased. Ultimately, the aerodynamic performance will be improved.     

Control-oriented modeling of a high-aspect-ratio flying wing with coupled flight dynamics

The flight-structural dynamics of a high-aspect-ratio wing challenge the flight control design. This paper develops a reduced model of coupled dynamics with stability consideration. The structural dynamics are formulated with dihedrals, and the central loads drive the deformation. The control-oriented model with essential coupled dynamics is formulated. Modal sensitivity analysis and input–output pairing are performed to identify the control structure. Besides, an example of flight control design is provided to discuss the necessity of considering structural dynamics in controller design. Analytical coupled flight dynamics provide a system-theoretic approach for stability and facilitate model-based control techniques. Simulation results reveal the characteristics of flight-structural coupled dynamics and demonstrate that the influence of flexible modes should be considered in control design, especially in lateral dynamics.