Date of Award
Summer 7-2021
Access Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Department
Aerospace Engineering
Committee Chair
Dr. Vladimir Golubev
Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Snorri Gudmundsson
First Committee Member
Dr. William MacKunis
Abstract
We address the development of a dynamic-soaring capable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) optimized for long-duration flight with no on-board power consumption. The UAV’s aerodynamic properties are captured with the integration of variable fidelity aerodynamic analyses. In addition to this, a 6 degree-of-freedom flight simulation environment is designed to include the effects of atmospheric wind conditions. A simple flight control system aids in the development of the dynamic soaring maneuver. A modular design paradigm is adopted for the aircraft dynamics model, which makes it conducive to use the same environment to simulate other aircraft models. Multiple wind-shear models are synthesized to study the overall energy gain for low and high-altitude dynamic soaring. In addition to this, the efficiency of the autopilot control laws is compared with human-piloted DS cycles. The current research thus focuses on studying the UAV’s energy neutrality in performing repeatable dynamic soaring cycles, which presents a paradigm shift in UAV propulsion, where the energy extracted from the wind shear could be used as a propulsive force.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Joseph, Gladston, "Design and Flight-Path Simulation of a Dynamic-Soaring UAV" (2021). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 599.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/599
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics Commons, Other Aerospace Engineering Commons, Propulsion and Power Commons
