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At least 19 records

F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) parameter identification flight test maneuvers for optimal input design validation and lateral control effectiveness

Flight test maneuvers are specified for the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). The maneuvers were designed for open loop parameter identification purposes, specifically for optimal input design validation at 5 degrees angle of attack, identification of individual strake effectiveness at 40 and 50 degrees angle of attack, and study of lateral dynamics and lateral control effectiveness at 40 and 50 degrees angle of attack. Each maneuver is to be realized by applying square wave inputs to specific control effectors using the On-Board Excitation System (OBES). Maneuver descriptions and complete specifications of the time/amplitude points define each input are included, along with plots of the input time histories.

Morelli, Eugene A.↗

Extraction of Lateral-Directional Stability and Control Derivatives for the Basic F-18 Aircraft at High Angles of Attack

The results of parameter identification to determine the lateral-directional stability and control derivatives of an F-18 research aircraft in its basic hardware and software configuration are presented. The derivatives are estimated from dynamic flight data using a specialized identification program developed at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. The formulation uses the linearized aircraft equations of motions in their continuous/discrete form and a maximum likelihood estimator that accounts for both state and measurement noise. State noise is used to model the uncommanded forcing function caused by unsteady aerodynamics, such as separated and vortical flows, over the aircraft. The derivatives are plotted as functions of angle of attack between 3 deg and 47 deg and compared with wind-tunnel predictions. The quality of the derivative estimates obtained by parameter identification is somewhat degraded because the maneuvers were flown with the aircraft's control augmentation system engaged, which introduced relatively high correlations between the control variables and response variables as a result of control motions from the feedback control system.

Iliff, Kenneth W.↗

Parameter identification for X-31A at high angles of attack

The U.S./German experimental aircraft X-31A was designed and constructed to demonstrate enhanced fighter maneuverability. Post-stall maneuvering is enabled by applying new technologies such as high angle of attack aerodynamics and flight control system integrated thrust vectoring. Two demonstrator aircraft have been built by the main contractors, Rockwell International and Deutsche Aerospace (formerly MBB). Flight testing started in October 1990 and before the end of 1992 both aircraft had accomplished a significant number of flights covering the entire AoA regime from about -5 to 70 deg. Throughout the envelope expansion, DLR Institute of Flight Mechanics conducted parameter identification (PID) to determine the aerodynamic parameters of the aircraft from flight test data and to compare the results to the predictions from the aerodynamic dataset (ADS). The application of system identification to high AoA / post-stall flight data raises some major problems, which are discussed in this paper. Results from both longitudinal and lateral-directional motion will be presented.

S Weiss↗

Real-Time Adaptive Drag Minimization Wind Tunnel Investigation of a Flexible Wing with Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Edge Flap System

This paper reports the results of a recently completed real-time adaptive drag minimization wind tunnel investigation of a highly flexible wing wind tunnel model equipped with the Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Flap (VCCTEF) technology at the University of Washington Aeronautical Laboratory (UWAL). The wind tunnel investigation is funded by NASA SBIR Phase II contract with Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) and University of Washington (UW) as a subcontractor. The wind tunnel model is a sub-scale Common Research Model (CRM) wing constructed of foam core and fiberglass skin and is aeroelastically scaled to achieve a wing tip deflection of 10% of the wing semi-span which represents a typical wing tip deflection for a modern transport such as Boeing 787. The jig-shape twist of the CRM wing is optimized using a CART3D aero-structural model to achieve the minimum induced drag for the design cruise lift coefficient of 0.5. The wing is equipped with two chord wise cambered segments for each of the six span wise flap sections for a total of 12 individual flap segments that comprise the VCCTEF system. Each of the 12 flap segments is actively controlled by an electric servo-actuator. The real-time adaptive drag optimization strategy includes an on-board aerodynamic model identification, a model excitation, and a real-time drag optimization. The on-board aerodynamic model is constructed parametrically as a function of the angle of attack and flap positions to model the lift and drag coefficients of the wing. The lift coefficient models include a linear model and a second-order model. The drag coefficient models include a quadratic model and a higher-order up to 6th-order model to accurately model the drag coefficient at high angles of attack. The onboard aerodynamic model identification includes a recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm and a batch least-squares (BLS) algorithm designed to estimate the model parameters. The model excitation method is designed to sample the input set that comprises the angle of attack and the flap positions. Three model excitation methods are developed: random excitation method, sweep method, and iterative angle-of-attack seeking method. The real-time drag optimization includes a generic algorithm developed by SSCI and several optimization methods developed by NASA which include a second-order gradient Newton-Raphson optimization method, an iterative gradient optimization method, a pseudo-inverse optimization method, an analytical optimization method, and an iterative refinement optimization method. The first wind tunnel test entry took place in September 2017. This test revealed major hardware issues and required further redesign of the flap servo mechanisms. The second test entry took place in April 2018. However, the test was not successful due to the issues with the onboard aerodynamic model identification RLS algorithm which incorrectly identified model parameters. This test also provides an experimental comparison study between the VCCTEF and a variable camber discrete trailing edge flap (VCDTEF) without the elastomer transition mechanisms. The experimental result confirms the benefit of the VCCTEF which produces lower drag by 5% than the VCDTEF. The third and final test entry took place in June 2018 after the issues with the RLS algorithm have been identified and corrected. Additional improvements were implemented. These include the BLS algorithm, the iterative angle-of-attack seeking method, the iterative gradient optimization method, and the pseudo-inverse optimization method. The test objectives were successfully demonstrated as the real-time drag optimization identifies several optimal solutions at off-design lift coefficients. The iterative gradient optimization method is found to achieve up to 4.7% drag reduction for the off-design lift coefficient of 0.7. The pseudo-inverse optimization method which does not require the drag coefficient model is found to be quite effective in reducing drag. Up to 9.4% drag reduction for the off-design lift coefficient of 0.7 is achieved with the pseudo-inverse optimization method. The wind tunnel investigation demonstrates the potential of real-time drag optimization technology. Several new capabilities are developed that could enable future adaptive wing technologies for flexible wings equipped with drag control devices such as the VCCTEF.

Drag Optimization↗

Angle of Attack Modulation for Mars Entry Terminal State Optimization

From the perspective of atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL), one of the most foreboding destinations in the solar system is Mars due in part to its exceedingly thin atmosphere. To benchmark best possible scenarios for evaluation of potential Mars EDL system designs, a study is conducted to optimize the entry-to-terminal-state portion of EDL for a variety of entry velocities and vehicle masses, focusing on the identification of potential benefits of enabling angle of attack modulation. The terminal state is envisioned as one appropriate for the initiation of terminal descent via parachute or other means. A particle swarm optimizer varies entry flight path angle, ten bank profile points, and ten angle of attack profile points to find maximum-final-altitude trajectories for a 10 30 m ellipsled at 180 different combinations of values for entry mass, entry velocity, terminal Mach number, and minimum allowable altitude. Parametric plots of maximum achievable altitude are shown, as are examples of optimized trajectories. It is shown that appreciable terminal state altitude gains (2.5-4.0 km) over pure bank angle control may be possible if angle of attack modulation is enabled for Mars entry vehicles. Gains of this magnitude could prove to be enabling for missions requiring high-altitude landing sites. Conclusions are also drawn regarding trends in the bank and angle of attack profiles that produce the optimal trajectories in this study, and directions for future work are identified.

Lafleur, Jarret M.↗

Analysis of lateral stability of X-29 drop model using system identification methodology

A 22-percent dynamically scaled replica of the X-29 forward-swept-wing aircraft is currently being flown in radio-controlled drop tests at NASA Langley's Plumtree Test Site. Flight data were recorded from early flights in the test program, which consisted mainly of large amplitude maneuvers over wide angle-of-attack ranges with several uncontrolled wing rock episodes. A system identification study of the recorded data was undertaken to examine the stability and control derivatives which influence the lateral behavior of this vehicle with particular emphasis on the wing rock phenomenon. All major lateral stability derivatives and the damping-in-roll derivative were identified for 5-80 deg angle-of-attack by using a data partitioning methodology and a modified stepwise regression algorithm. No control effectiveness derivatives could be identified from the flights conducted so far.

Raney, David L.↗

Flight test results of the F-16 aircraft modified with the axisymmetric vectoring exhaust nozzle

The results of the envelope expansion phase of the F-16 Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring (MATV) program are presented in viewgraph format. The objectives and test approach are presented followed by results of testing with the initial control law configuration. The revised flight control laws are discussed followed by test results with the revised control laws. Additional testing added to the program, nose chines, parameter identification maneuvers, and the extended range angle of attack cones are briefly discussed.

Anna, Paul D.↗

X-29A Lateral-Directional Stability and Control Derivatives Extracted From High-Angle-of-Attack Flight Data

The lateral-directional stability and control derivatives of the X-29A number 2 are extracted from flight data over an angle-of-attack range of 4 degrees to 53 degrees using a parameter identification algorithm. The algorithm uses the linearized aircraft equations of motion and a maximum likelihood estimator in the presence of state and measurement noise. State noise is used to model the uncommanded forcing function caused by unsteady aerodynamics over the aircraft at angles of attack above 15 degrees. The results supported the flight-envelope-expansion phase of the X-29A number 2 by helping to update the aerodynamic mathematical model, to improve the real-time simulator, and to revise flight control system laws. Effects of the aircraft high gain flight control system on maneuver quality and the estimated derivatives are also discussed. The derivatives are plotted as functions of angle of attack and compared with the predicted aerodynamic database. Agreement between predicted and flight values is quite good for some derivatives such as the lateral force due to sideslip, the lateral force due to rudder deflection, and the rolling moment due to roll rate. The results also show significant differences in several important derivatives such as the rolling moment due to sideslip, the yawing moment due to sideslip, the yawing moment due to aileron deflection, and the yawing moment due to rudder deflection.

Iliff, Kenneth W.↗

Parameter identification for nonlinear aerodynamic systems

This final technical report covers a three and one-half year period preceding February 28, 1993 during which support was provided under NASA Grant NAG-1-1065. Following a general description of the system identification problem and a brief survey of methods to attack it, the basic ideas behind the approach taken in this research effort are presented. The results obtained are described with reference to the published work, including the five semiannual progress reports previously submitted and two interim technical reports.

Pearson, Allan E.↗

Estimation of dynamic stability parameters from drop model flight tests

A recent NASA application of a remotely-piloted drop model to studies of the high angle-of-attack and spinning characteristics of a fighter configuration has provided an opportunity to evaluate and develop parameter estimation methods for the complex aerodynamic environment associated with high angles of attack. The paper discusses the overall drop model operation including descriptions of the model, instrumentation, launch and recovery operations, piloting concept, and parameter identification methods used. Static and dynamic stability derivatives were obtained for an angle-of-attack range from -20 deg to 53 deg. The results of the study indicated that the variations of the estimates with angle of attack were consistent for most of the static derivatives, and the effects of configuration modifications to the model (such as nose strakes) were apparent in the static derivative estimates. The dynamic derivatives exhibited greater uncertainty levels than the static derivatives, possibly due to nonlinear aerodynamics, model response characteristics, or additional derivatives.

Chambers, J. R.↗

Identification of aerodynamic indicial functions using flight data

It is pointed out that the use of indicial function representation provides a model superior to the aerodynamic derivative model. Specific derivatives can be approximated from the indicial models. The model can also be used to compute equivalent stability and control parameters not usually available from flight data. It is shown that derivatives regarding the angle-of-attack and the side slip angle can be derived directly from the indicial functions without any identifiability problem. Attention is given to the pitch moment coefficient, linear indicial function representation, the identification problem for the pitch moment equation, the identifiability of linear systems, parametric representations of the indicial functions, an identification technique, angle-of-attack and pitch rate dynamics in the pitch plane, multivariate linear models, nonlinear aerodynamic indicial functions, measurement system accuracy, and poststall and spin-entry data from a scaled research vehicle.

Gupta, N. K.↗

Pitch-Axis Aerodynamic Parameter Identification for NASA's F-15B

As part of NASA s Intelligent Flight Control Systems program, parameter identification experiments were carried out with NASA Dryden s F-15B TN 837 aircraft. The canard control surfaces, whose movement is highly correlated with aircraft angle of attack, and the aircraft s aerodynamic instability in the pitch axis contribute to making parameter identification challenging. The equation-error method of analysis is applied to several longitudinal parameter identification maneuvers and a new approach for compensating for flight-data signal time lags is developed, which improves the accuracy and consistency of the results.

Woodruff, Stephen L.↗

Ballistic Range Testing of the Mars Exploration Rover Entry Capsule

Results from a 25 shot ballistic range test of the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) aeroshell are presented. The supersonic pitch damping properties of the MER capsule were characterized between Mach = 1.5 and Mach = 3.5 and total angles-of-attack from 0 degrees to greater than 25 degrees. Three capsule center-of-gravity positions were tested across this range of conditions, 0.27, 0.30 and 0.33 body diameters aft of the nose. Parameter identification results show that the capsule is dynamically unstable at low angles-of-attack across the Mach numbers tested, with instability increasing with lower speeds. This dynamic instability was seen to increase with aft center-of-gravity movement. The MER outer mold line was very similar to the successful Mars Pathfinder capsule with only minor modifications. Pathfinder relied on Viking forced oscillation data for preflight predictions. The pitch damping data calculated from this test program are shown to more accurately reproduce the measured Path finder flight data.

Schoenenberger, Mark↗

Flight-Determined, Subsonic, Lateral-Directional Stability and Control Derivatives of the Thrust-Vectoring F-18 High Angle of Attack Research Vehicle (HARV), and Comparisons to the Basic F-18 and Predicted Derivatives

The subsonic, lateral-directional, stability and control derivatives of the thrust-vectoring F-1 8 High Angle of Attack Research Vehicle (HARV) are extracted from flight data using a maximum likelihood parameter identification technique. State noise is accounted for in the identification formulation and is used to model the uncommanded forcing functions caused by unsteady aerodynamics. Preprogrammed maneuvers provided independent control surface inputs, eliminating problems of identifiability related to correlations between the aircraft controls and states. The HARV derivatives are plotted as functions of angles of attack between 10deg and 70deg and compared to flight estimates from the basic F-18 aircraft and to predictions from ground and wind tunnel tests. Unlike maneuvers of the basic F-18 aircraft, the HARV maneuvers were very precise and repeatable, resulting in tightly clustered estimates with small uncertainty levels. Significant differences were found between flight and prediction; however, some of these differences may be attributed to differences in the range of sideslip or input amplitude over which a given derivative was evaluated, and to differences between the HARV external configuration and that of the basic F-18 aircraft, upon which most of the prediction was based. Some HARV derivative fairings have been adjusted using basic F-18 derivatives (with low uncertainties) to help account for differences in variable ranges and the lack of HARV maneuvers at certain angles of attack.

Iliff, Kenneth W.↗

Closed-Loop System Identification Experience for Flight Control Law and Flying Qualities Evaluation of a High Performance Fighter Aircraft

This paper highlights some of the results and issues associated with estimating models to evaluate control law design methods and design criteria for advanced high performance aircraft. Experimental fighter aircraft such as the NASA High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) have the capability to maneuver at very high angles of attack where nonlinear aerodynamics often predominate. HARV is an experimental F/A-18, configured with thrust vectoring and conformal actuated nose strakes. Identifying closed-loop models for this type of aircraft can be made difficult by nonlinearities and high-order characteristics of the system. In this paper only lateral-directional axes are considered since the lateral-directional control law was specifically designed to produce classical airplane responses normally expected with low-order, rigid-body systems. Evaluation of the control design methodology was made using low-order equivalent systems determined from flight and simulation. This allowed comparison of the closed-loop rigid-body dynamics achieved in flight with that designed in simulation. In flight, the On Board Excitation System was used to apply optimal inputs to lateral stick and pedals at five angles of attack: 5, 20, 30, 45, and 60 degrees. Data analysis and closed-loop model identification were done using frequency domain maximum likelihood. The structure of the identified models was a linear state-space model reflecting classical 4th-order airplane dynamics. Input time delays associated with the high-order controller and aircraft system were accounted for in data preprocessing. A comparison of flight estimated models with small perturbation linear design models highlighted nonlinearities in the system and indicated that the estimated closed-loop rigid-body dynamics were sensitive to input amplitudes at 20 and 30 degrees angle of attack.

Murphy, Patrick C.↗

Closed-Loop System Identification Experience for Flight Control Law and Flying Qualities Evaluation of a High Performance Fighter Aircraft

This paper highlights some of the results and issues associated with estimating models to evaluate control law design methods and design criteria for advanced high performance aircraft. Experimental fighter aircraft such as the NASA-High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) have the capability to maneuver at very high angles of attack where nonlinear aerodynamics often predominate. HARV is an experimental F/A-18, configured with thrust vectoring and conformal actuated nose strakes. Identifying closed-loop models for this type of aircraft can be made difficult by nonlinearities and high order characteristics of the system. In this paper, only lateral-directional axes are considered since the lateral-directional control law was specifically designed to produce classical airplane responses normally expected with low-order, rigid-body systems. Evaluation of the control design methodology was made using low-order equivalent systems determined from flight and simulation. This allowed comparison of the closed-loop rigid-body dynamics achieved in flight with that designed in simulation. In flight, the On Board Excitation System was used to apply optimal inputs to lateral stick and pedals at five angles at attack : 5, 20, 30, 45, and 60 degrees. Data analysis and closed-loop model identification were done using frequency domain maximum likelihood. The structure of identified models was a linear state-space model reflecting classical 4th-order airplane dynamics. Input time delays associated with the high-order controller and aircraft system were accounted for in data preprocessing. A comparison of flight estimated models with small perturbation linear design models highlighted nonlinearities in the system and indicated that the closed-loop rigid-body dynamics were sensitive to input amplitudes at 20 and 30 degrees angle of attack.

Murphy, Patrick C.↗

High speed turboprop aeroacoustic study (counterrotation). Volume 1: Model development

The isolated counterrotating high speed turboprop noise prediction program was compared with model data taken in the GE Aircraft Engines Cell 41 anechoic facility, the Boeing Transonic Wind Tunnel, and in NASA-Lewis' 8x6 and 9x15 wind tunnels. The predictions show good agreement with measured data under both low and high speed simulated flight conditions. The installation effect model developed for single rotation, high speed turboprops was extended to include counterotation. The additional effect of mounting a pylon upstream of the forward rotor was included in the flow field modeling. A nontraditional mechanism concerning the acoustic radiation from a propeller at angle of attach was investigated. Predictions made using this approach show results that are in much closer agreement with measurement over a range of operating conditions than those obtained via traditional fluctuating force methods. The isolated rotors and installation effects models were combines into a single prediction program, results of which were compared with data taken during the flight test of the B727/UDF engine demonstrator aircraft. Satisfactory comparisons between prediction and measured data for the demonstrator airplane, together with the identification of a nontraditional radiation mechanism for propellers at angle of attack are achieved.

Whitfield, C. E.↗

Icing effects on aircraft stability and control determined from flight data: Preliminary results

The effects of airframe icing on the stability and control characteristics of the NASA DH-6 Twin Otter icing research aircraft were investigated by flight test. The flight program was developed to obtain the stability and control parameters of the DH-6 in a baseline ('uniced') configuration and an 'artificially iced' configuration for specified thrust conditions. Stability and control parameter identification maneuvers were performed over a wide range of angles of attack for wing flaps retracted (0 deg) and wing flaps partially deflected (10 deg). Engine power was adjusted to hold thrust constant at one of three thrust coefficients (C(sub T) = 0.14, C(sub T) = 0.07, C(subT) = 0.00). This paper presents only the pitching- and yawing-moment results from the flight test program. Stability and control parameters were estimated for the uniced and artificially iced configurations using a modified stepwise regression algorithm. Comparisons of the uniced and iced stability and control parameters are presented for the majority of the flight envelope. The artificial ice reduced the elevator and rudder control effectiveness by 12 percent and 8 percent respectively for the 0 deg flap setting. The longitudinal static stability was also decreased substantially (approximately 10 percent) because of the tail ice. Further discussion is provided to explain some of the effects of ice on the stability and control parameters.

Ratvasky, T. P.↗