Suryakumar, Vishvas Samuel (2016-12). Fly-by-Feel Aeroservoelasticity. Doctoral Dissertation. Thesis uri icon

abstract

  • Recent experiments have suggested a strong correlation between local flow features
    on the airfoil surface such as the leading edge stagnation point (LESP), transition or the
    flow separation point with global integrated quantities such as aerodynamic lift. "Fly-By-
    Feel" refers to a physics-based sensing and control framework where local flow features are
    tracked in real-time to determine aerodynamic loads. This formulation offers possibilities
    for the development of robust, low-order flight control architectures.

    An essential contribution towards this objective is the theoretical development showing
    the direct relationship of the LESP with circulation for small-amplitude, unsteady, airfoil
    maneuvers. The theory is validated through numerical simulations and wind tunnel
    tests.

    With the availability of an aerodynamic observable, a low-order, energy-based control
    formulation is derived for aeroelastic stabilization and gust load alleviation. The sensing
    and control framework is implemented on the Nonlinear Aeroelastic Test Apparatus at
    Texas A&M University. The LESP is located using hot-film sensors distributed around the
    wing leading edge. Stabilization of limit cycle oscillations exhibited by a nonlinear wing
    section is demonstrated in the presence of gusts. Aeroelastic stabilization is also demonstrated
    on a flying wing configuration exhibiting body freedom flutter through numerical
    simulations.

publication date

  • December 2016
  • December 2016