A Newtonian development of the mean-axis equations of motion for flexible aircraft

Sally Ann Keyes, Peter Seiler, David K. Schmidt

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mean-axis models of flight dynamics for flexible aircraft are being utilized more frequently in recent dynamics and controls research. The nonlinear equations of motion resulting from the mean-axis formulation are frequently developed with Lagrangian mechanics. In addition, the models are typically simplified using assumptions regarding the effects of the elastic deformation. These assumptions involve the inertia tensor of the vehicle and the character of the unrestrained free vibration modes of the structure. In this paper, the equations of motion are derived from first principles utilizing Newtonian, rather than Lagrangian, mechanics. A threelumped-mass idealization of a rolling flexible aircraft is presented as an example of the mean-axis equations of motion. The example is also used to investigate the effects of common simplifying assumptions. The equations of motion are developed without any such assumptions, and simulation results allow for a comparison of the exact and simplified dynamics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference, 2017
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624104480
StatePublished - Jan 1 2017
EventAIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference, 2017 - Denver, United States
Duration: Jun 5 2017Jun 9 2017

Publication series

NameAIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference, 2017

Other

OtherAIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference, 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver
Period6/5/176/9/17

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