Biologically inspired flight techniques for small and micro unmanned aerial vehicles

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

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper discusses energy extraction from atmospheric turbulence by small- and micro-uninhabited aerial vehicles. A controller which superimposes a gust-dependent control input on a state-feedback derived control input is proposed, and a genetic algorithm is used to obtain control gains as well as the optimal nominal trim state is described. Control laws are designed for both vertical sinusoidal gust fields as well as vertical and longitudinal Dryden gust fields. The optimal trim state and controller gains are shown to vary with gust intensity, and simulation results show significant energy savings for the gust soaring controller over a feedback-only controller.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference and Exhibit
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Print)9781563479458
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

Publication series

NameAIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference and Exhibit

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering

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