Storming Media: Pentagon Reports and DocumentsPentagon Reports: Fast. Definitive. Complete.     
New Account »
Forgot Password?
Advanced Search »
Math and StatisticsNumerical Mathematics

A Non-Linear Model for the Longitudinal Dynamics of a Hypersonic Air-breathing Vehicle

Authors: Michael A. Bolender; David B. Doman; AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH
Abstract:
A non-linear, physics-based model of the longitudinal dynamics for an air-breathing hypersonic vehicle is developed. The model is derived from first principles and captures the complex interactions between the propulsion system, aerodynamics, and structural dynamics. Unlike conventional aircraft, hypersonic vehicles require that the propulsion system be highly integrated into the airframe. Furthermore, hypersonic aircraft tend to have very lightweight, flexible structures that have low natural frequencies. Therefore, the first bending mode of the fuselage is important as its deflection affects the amount of airflow entering the engine, thus influencing the performance of the propulsion system. The equations of motion for the flexible aircraft are derived using Lagrange's Equations. The equations-of-motion capture inertial coupling effects between the pitch and normal accelerations of the aircraft and the structural dynamics. The linearized aircraft dynamics are shown to be unstable, and in most cases, exhibit non-minimum, phase behavior. The linearized model also indicates that there is an aeroelastic mode that has a natural frequency more than twice the frequency of the fuselage bending mode. Furthermore, the short-period mode is very strongly coupled with the bending mode of the fuselage.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Pages: 23
Report Date: 2006
Report Number: A850544
Keywords relating to this report:
*HYPERSONIC VEHICLES
*LAGRANGIAN FUNCTIONS
AERODYNAMICS
AEROELASTICITY
AIR FLOW
AIRFRAMES
DEFLECTION
DYNAMICS
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
FUSELAGES
HYPERSONIC AIRCRAFT
INTERACTIONS
LOW FREQUENCY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NONLINEAR SYSTEMS
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
RESONANT FREQUENCY
Email This Abstract