Nonlinear Aeroelastic Analysis of UAVs: Deterministic and Stochastic Approaches

Date
2012-09-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Description
Abstract

Aeroelastic aspects of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is analyzed by treatment of a typical section containing geometrical nonlinearities. Equations of motion are derived and numerical integration of these equations subject to quasi-steady aerodynamic forcing is performed. Model properties are tailored to a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft. Harmonic balance approximation is employed based on the steady-state oscillatory response of the aerodynamic forcing. Comparisons are made between time integration results and harmonic balance approximation. Close agreement between forcing and displacement oscillatory frequencies is found. Amplitude agreement is off by a considerable margin. Additionally, stochastic forcing effects are examined. Turbulent flow velocities generated from the von Karman spectrum are applied to the same nonlinear structural model. Similar qualitative behavior is found between quasi-steady and stochastic forcing models illustrating the importance of considering the non-steady nature of atmospheric turbulence when operating near critical flutter velocity.

Description
Degree
Master of Science
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Nonlinear aeroelasticity, Turbulence, Unmanned aerial vehicle, Flutter, High-altitude long-endurance, Harmonic balance
Citation

Sukut, Thomas. "Nonlinear Aeroelastic Analysis of UAVs: Deterministic and Stochastic Approaches." (2012) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/64686.

Has part(s)
Forms part of
Published Version
Rights
Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
Link to license
Citable link to this page