STUDY ON GAIN-SCHEDULING PROBLEM IN FLIGHT CONTROL

Gain-scheduling has got its wide applications in modern flight control, in which control gains are scheduled with variables such as dynamic pressure and Mach number, to meet dynamic response requirements in different flight conditions. Classical gain-scheduling approaches may result in some problems, which can not guarantee global robustness and stability in transitions of different flight conditions. Gain-scheduling problem is systematically investigated from robustness point of view in the paper. Detailed procedures for gain-scheduled controller to achieve both robustness and stability performance are given and applied to a typical flight control system. For switching stability problems of different flight conditions in flight control systems, a new approach is proposed, in which different flight conditions are reduced into a parameter varying plant using interpolation firstly, and then parameter-varying controller design goes next. Though interpolation errors may exist, the robust parameter varying controller design can compensate for those uncertainties and errors, and finally achieve good performance of robustness and switching stability during transitions. Illustrative simulation at last shows satisfactory results.     

OPTIMIZATION DESIGN FOR SUPPRESSING "GROUND RESONANCE" OF THE HELICOPTER

The design problem for suppressing "ground resonance" of the helicopter, with which few researchers have concerned so far, is studied in this paper. Based on the ideas of pole region placement in control theory and of optimization, the method for optimally designing the stiffness and damping parameters of the system with satisfying specified requirements is presented. The effective design criteria and procedures are presented according to the principle of "ground resonance".For illustrating the method presented in this paper three typical calculation modes are studied. The results are satisfactory.     

Aerodynamic optimization of rotor airfoil based on multi-layer hierarchical constraint method

Rotor airfoil design is investigated in this paper. There are many difficulties for this high-dimensional multi-objective problem when traditional multi-objective optimization methods are used. Therefore, a multi-layer hierarchical constraint method is proposed by coupling principal component analysis (PCA) dimensionality reduction and e-constraint method to translate the orig-inal high-dimensional problem into a bi-objective problem. This paper selects the main design objectives by conducting PCA to the preliminary solution of original problem with consideration of the priority of design objectives. According to the e-constraint method, the design model is estab-lished by treating the two top-ranking design goals as objective and others as variable constraints. A series of bi-objective Pareto curves will be obtained by changing the variable constraints, and the favorable solution can be obtained by analyzing Pareto curve spectrum. This method is applied to the rotor airfoil design and makes great improvement in aerodynamic performance. It is shown that the method is convenient and efficient, beyond which, it facilitates decision-making of the high-dimensional multi-objective engineering problem.     

Space Flight Validation of Design and Engineering of the ZDPS-1A Pico-satellite

The ZDPS-1A pico-satellites are the first satellites in China within the 1-10 kg mass range that are successfully operated on orbit. Unlike common pico-satellites, they are designed to be "larger but stronger" with more powerful platforms and unique payloads so as to bear a better promise for real applications. Through their space flight mission, the functionality and performance of the two flight models are tested on orbit and validated to be mostly normal and in consistency with design and ground tests with only several inconforming occasions. Moreover, they have worked properly on orbit for one year so far, well exceeding their life expectancy of three months. Therefore, the space flight mission has reached all its goals, and verified that the design concept and the engineering process of the picosatellites are sufficient in allowing them the desired functionality and performance in, and the adaption to the launch procedure and the low-Earth orbit space environment. In the foreseeable future, the platform together with the design concept and the engineering process of the pico-satellites are expected to be applied to more complicated real space applications.     

Aerodynamic Design Methodology for Blended Wing Body Transport

This paper puts forward a design idea for blended wing body(BWB).The idea is described as that cruise point,maximum lift to drag point and pitch trim point are in the same flight attitude.According to this design idea,design objectives and constraints are defined.By applying low and high fidelity aerodynamic analysis tools,BWB aerodynamic design methodology is established by the combination of optimization design and inverse design methods.High lift to drag ratio,pitch trim and acceptable buffet margin can be achieved by this design methodology.For 300-passenger BWB configuration based on static stability design,as compared with initial configuration,the maximum lift to drag ratio and pitch trim are achieved at cruise condition,zero lift pitching moment is positive,and buffet characteristics is well.Fuel burn of 300-passenger BWB configuration is also significantly reduced as compared with conventional civil transports.Because aerodynamic design is carried out under the constraints of BWB design requirements,the design configuration fulfills the demands for interior layout and provides a solid foundation for continuous work.     

Aerodynamic Design and Analysis of a Low-reaction Axial Compressor Stage

There is introduced a new low-reaction, highly-loaded axial compressor design concept which is coupled with boundary layer suction method. The characteristic features of the concept are made clear through its comparison with the MIT boundary layer suction compressor. Also are pointed out the potential applications of this concept as well as its key technological problems. Based on this concept, a single-stage, low-reaction and low-speed axial compressor is constructed in association with analysis and computation of boundary layer suction on vanes with the aid of a three-dimensional numerical approach. The results attest to the effectiveness of this way to control separation in blade cascades by the boundary layer suction and the feasibility of this proposed design concept.     

Uncertainty analysis and design optimization of hybrid rocket motor powered vehicle for suborbital flight

In this paper, we propose an uncertainty analysis and design optimization method and its applications on a hybrid rocket motor(HRM) powered vehicle. The multidisciplinary design model of the rocket system is established and the design uncertainties are quantified. The sensitivity analysis of the uncertainties shows that the uncertainty generated from the error of fuel regression rate model has the most significant effect on the system performances. Then the differences between deterministic design optimization(DDO) and uncertainty-based design optimization(UDO) are discussed. Two newly formed uncertainty analysis methods, including the Kriging-based Monte Carlo simulation(KMCS) and Kriging-based Taylor series approximation(KTSA), are carried out using a global approximation Kriging modeling method. Based on the system design model and the results of design uncertainty analysis, the design optimization of an HRM powered vehicle for suborbital flight is implemented using three design optimization methods: DDO, KMCS and KTSA. The comparisons indicate that the two UDO methods can enhance the design reliability and robustness. The researches and methods proposed in this paper can provide a better way for the general design of HRM powered vehicles.In this paper,we propose an uncertainty analysis and design optimization method and its applications on a hybrid rocket motor(HRM)powered vehicle.The multidisciplinary design model of the rocket system is established and the design uncertainties are quantified.The sensitivity analysis of the uncertainties shows that the uncertainty generated from the error of fuel regression rate model has the most significant effect on the system performances.Then the differences between deterministic design optimization(DDO)and uncertainty-based design optimization(UDO)are discussed.Two newly formed uncertainty analysis methods,including the Kriging-based Monte Carlo simulation(KMCS)and Kriging-based Taylor series approximation(KTSA),are carried out using a global approximation Kriging modeling method.Based on the system design model and the results of design uncertainty analysis,the design optimization of an HRM powered vehicle for suborbital flight is implemented using three design optimization methods:DDO,KMCS and KTSA.The comparisons indicate that the two UDO methods can enhance the design reliability and robustness.The researches and methods proposed in this paper can provide a better way for the general design of HRM powered vehicles.     

Aerodynamic design optimization of helicopter rotor blades including airfoil shape for hover performance

This study proposes a process to obtain an optimal helicopter rotor blade shape for aerodynamic performance in hover flight. A new geometry representation algorithm which uses the class function/shape function transformation (CST) is employed to generate airfoil coordinates. With this approach, airfoil shape is considered in terms of design variables. The optimization process is constructed by integrating several programs developed by author. The design variables include twist, taper ratio, point of taper initiation, blade root chord, and coefficients of the airfoil distribution function. Aerodynamic constraints consist of limits on power available in hover and forward flight. The trim condition must be attainable. This paper considers rotor blade configuration for the hover flight condition only, so that the required power in hover is chosen as the objective function of the optimization problem. Sensitivity analysis of each design variable shows that airfoil shape has an important role in rotor performance. The optimum rotor blade reduces the required hover power by 7.4% and increases the figure of merit by 6.5%, which is a good improvement for rotor blade design.     

An experimental analysis of situation awareness for cockpit display interface evaluation based on flight simulation

Aircraft cockpit display interface (CDI) is one of the most important human-machine interfaces for information perceiving. During the process of aircraft design, situation awareness (SA) is frequently considered to improve the design, as the CDI must provide enough SA for the pilot to maintain the flight safety. In order to study the SA in the pilot-aircraft system, a cockpit flight simulation environment is built up, which includes a virtual instrument panel, a flight visual display and the corresponding control system. Based on the simulation environment, a human-in-the-loop experiment is designed to measure the SA by the situation awareness global assessment technique (SAGAT). Through the experiment, the SA degrees and heart rate (HR) data of the subjects are obtained, and the SA levels under different CDI designs are analyzed. The results show that analyzing the SA can serve as an objective way to evaluate the design of CDI, which could be proved from the consistent HR data. With this method, evaluations of the CDI design are performed in the experimental flight simulation environment, and optimizations could be guided through the analysis.     

飞行器体系优化设计问题

针对传统的飞行器设计与体系（SOS）设计相互独立造成的飞行器实际作战效能不足的问题,对同时考虑飞行器与体系耦合设计的飞行器体系优化设计问题展开研究。首先,根据体系工程（SOSE）原理给出了耦合飞行器设计与体系结构设计的飞行器体系优化设计问题的基本概念与通用数学定义;其次,基于多层体系架构,构建了飞行器体系设计优化模型,提出了包含问题定义、体系架构建模、学科建模、优化求解4个步骤的通用建模求解流程;最后,以巡飞/精确打击武器协同作战为例,构建了面向任务成本最低、时间最短的协同作战体系最优化问题并对其进行优化求解。与先设计飞行器后设计体系结构的解耦设计结果对比表明,解耦优化设计忽略了体系结构与飞行器的强耦合特征,无法最优化体系效能;耦合优化设计能够获得体系效能最大化的飞行器设计方案。     

面向控制的高超声速飞行器总体优化设计方法

从前期高超声速飞行器基础理论以及关键技术的研究到现今的飞行试验可以看出,高超声速飞行器在总体设计阶段过晚考虑飞行器动力学特性和控制性能会给后期控制系统设计带来极大的困难。在对两类高超声速飞行器试飞与控制相关问题分析的基础上,提出了面向控制的高超声速飞行器总体优化设计方法,给出了面向控制的总体优化设计研究方法、思路和模块框架。     

Impact of mission requirements and constraints on conceptual launch vehicle design

The objective of this paper is to analyse the impact of mission requirements and constraints on both the optimum vehicle design and the effects on flight path selection for two types of reusable two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicles. The first vehicle type considered provides horizontal take-off and landing capabilities and is intended to be propelled by an airbreathing propulsion system during stage 1 flight. The second vehicle type assumes a vertical launch and is accelerated by a rocket propulsion system during the booster stage ascent flight. The analysis employs a design tool for simultaneous system and mission optimization. It consists of a CAD-based preliminary vehicle design tool, aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic calculation software, flight simulation programs, and a two-level decomposition optimization algorithm enabling simultaneous system and flight optimization. The results to be presented show that the cruise flight requirement for an European launched mission of the airbreathing vehicle results in a loss of 60 % payload mass as compared to a mere accelerated ascent for a near equatorial mission into the same target orbit assuming constant take-off mass. The strong dependencies of mission requirements on both the optimal vehicle design and the ascent performance are determined for the rocket-powered vehicle type by varying the inclination and altitude of the target orbit.     

吸气式高超声速民用运输机概念设计

介绍了高超声速民用运输机的概念设计方案。通过对气动布局、推进系统、全机重量的分配等方面进行初步分析和计算,完成了飞行性能的多轮数值计算,得到了满足初始任务需求的设计方案和飞行轨迹,并形成了快速的概念方案设计方法。     

Gaussian fitting based optimal design of aircraft mission success space using multi-objective genetic algorithm

In order to obtain the optimized aircraft design concept which meets the increasingly complex operation environment at the conceptual design stage, System-of-systems (SoS) engineering must be considered. This paper proposes a novel optimization method for the design of aircraft Mission Success Space (MSS) based on Gaussian fitting and Genetic Algorithm (GA) in the SoS area. First, the concepts in the design and evaluation of MSS are summarized to introduce the Contribution to System-of-Systems (CSS) by using a conventional effectiveness index, Mission Success Rate (MSR). Then, the mathematic modelling of Gaussian fitting technique is noted as the basis of the optimization work. After that, the proposed optimal MSS design is illustrated by the multi-objective optimization process where GA acts as the search tool to find the best solution (via Pareto front). In the case study, a simulation system of penetration mission was built. The simulation results are collected and then processed by two MSS design schemes (contour and neural network) giving the initial variable space to GA optimization. Based on that, the proposed optimization method is implemented under both schemes whose optimal solutions are compared to obtain the final best design in the case study.     

拓扑优化方法在飞机结构件概念设计中的应用

为了能够有效地降低飞机结构承力件的重量,针对飞机骨架,以加强框和普通框以及翼梁的概念设计为研究内容,通过对"敏度阈值"概念的分析,指出其不足,提出了"改进的敏度阈值"概念,并与"约束补偿"策略结合而形成新的拓扑优化算法,用于上述结构件的材料布局优化设计.多个算例中的拓扑优化结果均显示其结构型式十分新颖,值得深入地探讨.     

Assistant systems for aircraft guidance: cognitive man-machine cooperation

This paper presents the concept of cognitive assistant systems which represents an approach to ensure the highest degree possible of situation awareness of the flight crew as well as a satisfactory workload level. This concept offers the solution to counteract susceptibility to pilot errors typical of lack of attention or other cognitive limitations. It is founded on cognitive system engineering. This technology enables a cockpit design in order to systematically comply with the requirements of ‘Human-Centred Automation (HCA)’. The underlying approach behind the concept has become real with the development of the cockpit assistant system prototype family CASSY/CAMA as described in this paper. CASSY/CAMA has been extensively tested in a flight simulator and successfully field tested with the ATTAS (Advanced Technologies Testing Aircraft System) of the DLR. Some of the test results with CAMA will be presented in this paper.     

Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization of Multistage Ground-launched Boost Phase Interceptor Using Hybrid Search Algorithm

This article proposes a multidisciplinary design and optimization (MDO) strategy for the conceptual design of a multistage ground-based interceptor (GBI) using hybrid optimization algorithm, which associates genetic algorithm (GA) as a global optimizer with sequential quadratic programming (SQP) as a local optimizer. The interceptor is comprised of a three-stage solid propulsion system for an exoatmospheric boost phase intercept (BPI). The interceptor's duty is to deliver a kinetic kill vehicle (KKV) to the optimal position in space to accomplish the mission of intercept. The modules for propulsion, aerodynamics, mass properties and flight dynamics are integrated to produce a high fidelity model of the entire vehicle. The propulsion module comprises of solid rocket motor (SRM) grain design, nozzle geometry design and performance prediction analysis. Internal ballistics and performance prediction parameters are calculated by using lumped parameter method. The design objective is to minimize the gross lift off mass (GLOM) of the interceptor under the mission constraints and performance objectives. The proposed design and optimization methodology provide designers with an efficient and powerful approach in computation during designing interceptor systems.     

High-torque density integrated electro-mechanical flight actuators

Electro-mechanical flight actuators (EMFAs) are core flight-critical vehicle components. Fly-by-wire or fly-by-light control of EMFAs is performed by flight management systems (flight, mission, propulsion, and integrated controls that manage any combination of specific flight, mission, and propulsion functions). Reported here are novel results in the analysis of EMFAs with permanent-magnet synchronous motors, with particular interest in the application of brushless high-torque density motors which have superior characteristics compared with other state-of-the-art motor technologies. It is shown that due to nonlinearities and bounds, new control algorithms must be developed and implemented to achieve a spectrum of performance and requirements for EMFAs. A number of important issues in control, analysis, model development, integration, and verification are studied. Tracking control algorithms are synthesized, stability studied, and novel analysis results are reported. Advanced computer-aided engineering software tools and emerging simulation-based design environments are used to guarantee high fidelity modeling and analysis within data intensive simulation. Proof-of-concept demonstration testbeds for the design of advanced EMFAs and their components are developed, and EMFA imitator performance thoroughly studied. Verification of the concepts reported are formed and documented. Precise tracking, disturbance attenuation, accuracy, stability, robustness, and excellent acceleration capabilities are reported. A demonstration is performed to substantiate the theoretical analyses to add credence to its applicability as an approach and method that the designer of future EMFAs can use to design a new class of actuators for aircraft flight control surfaces     

带控制舵飞行器机动特性研究

研究带控制舵双锥外形再入飞行器的机动特性。文章首先利用“部件叠加法”,通过对干扰因子和等效攻角等概念的引入,发展了一套可以计算该类飞行器纵横向气动力的工程计算方法。其次,文章通过大量计算,分析研究了该类飞行器的配平特性。最后,利用气动力与六自由度弹道耦合方法,研究分析了此类飞行器实现射面拉起/下压机动飞行及空间锥形机动的舵面控制规律。