Design and Analysis of a Mass-actuated Fixed-wing UAV for Enhanced Control Flight

Автор: Han Li

Соавторы: Han Li, Jianbin Zhao, Meihong Tao, Lingxiao Lu, Jie Zhao, Zhonggang Li, Bingzhang Xun

Организация: School of Astronautics Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin

Fig. Model and Function Implementation Diagram

The pneumatic control surface scheme is prone to control failure at low speeds and suffers from significant energy efficiency loss during aerodynamic stall. To mitigate these issues, the Mass-actuated Technology appears. This is a flight control method that achieves maneuvering by altering the aircraft's mass. Its fundamental principle involves moving a sliding mass block in the airframe to shift the aircraft's center of mass, thereby enabling attitude adjustment. We have conducted an exploration of the technology and found that it can reduce aerodynamic drag, minimize energy efficiency loss and provides strong low-speed control capability. It can be applied to aspects such as aircraft attitude stabilization, attitude maneuvering, and system structural adjustment. We have also developed practical models to explore how to maintain flight attitude through changes in the mass.    

  Funding Information: Harbin Institute of Technology Top-Notch Student Cultivation Program

Acknowledgments: We sincerely thank our supervisor, Prof. Zhao Jie, for her invaluable guidance and encouragement. Gratitude also goes to the Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics and Control Team for their constructive suggestions and collaborative support. 

1.Chen B., Han L., Wang X., Feng X. Design, analysis and flight test of mass-actuated aircraft based on two moving masses within wings // FLIGHT DYNAMICS. 2022. Vol. 40. № 3. J. 81-87

2.Qiu X., Gao C., Jing W. Dynamic Analysis and Disturbance Rejection Control of mass-actuated fixed-wing UAV // Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 2022. Vol. 48. № 3. J. 430-437

3.Du Q., Jing W., Gao C., et al. Dual-loop control of mass-actuated quadrotor UAV considering dynamic characteristics of moving mass // Journal of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 2024. Vol. 50. № 3. J. 861-873

4.Yu K., Zhao J. Design and Analysis of a Time Integration Algorithms for Structural Dynamics with Nonlinear Stiffness // Acta Mechanica Sinica. 2006. Vol. 22. № 5. J. 479-485