Hardware-in-the-loop dynamic wind tunnel investigation of slung loads dynamics with application to active cargo hook stabilization of an M119 howitzer

Reuben Raz, Aviv Rosen, Samuel J. Nadell, Luigi Cicolani, Joseph F. Horn, Jacob Enciu, Zhouzhou Chen, Mark B. Tischler, Kenny K. Cheung

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

A new hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) dynamic wind tunnel setup is used to study the behavior of a slung load at high speeds and methods of stabilizing problematic loads. The main element of the setup is a movable cargo hook. In addition the cable angles, model spatial attitude, and hook force are measured continuously. All the measurements are fed into a computer that calculates the cargo hook resultant motion in real-time by summing the rotorcraft angular motion effects (not used in the current study) and the hook motion relative to the rotorcraft fuselage. The computer output includes motion commands to the hook. The slung loads are two configurations of an M119 howitzer: folded and ready for firing. Initial wind tunnel studies showed that these loads exhibit significant LCO (Limit Cycle Oscillations) and severe instabilities at high speeds. Frequency sweep tests are used to derive dynamic models of the slung loads. These models are used to develop two controllers based on an Active Cargo Hook (ACH) approach. These controllers were implemented, tested, and studied. It was shown that both were able to suppress LCO and stabilize the slung loads along the entire airspeed range.

Original languageEnglish (US)
StatePublished - 2020
EventVertical Flight Society's 76th Annual Forum and Technology Display - Virtual, Online
Duration: Oct 5 2020Oct 8 2020

Conference

ConferenceVertical Flight Society's 76th Annual Forum and Technology Display
CityVirtual, Online
Period10/5/2010/8/20

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hardware-in-the-loop dynamic wind tunnel investigation of slung loads dynamics with application to active cargo hook stabilization of an M119 howitzer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this