Design and Flight-Path Simulation of a Dynamic-Soaring UAV

<p>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.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Year

2021

Author dc:creator

• Joseph, Gladston

• Biomimicry
• Albatross
• Simulation
• Simulink
• Aerodynamics
• Dynamic Soaring
• Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
• Aeronautical Vehicles
• Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics
• Other Aerospace Engineering
• Propulsion and Power

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/edt/599

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1611