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Peak-Seeking Optimization of Spanwise Lift Distribution for Wings in Formation FlightA method is presented for the in-flight optimization of the lift distribution across the wing for minimum drag of an aircraft in formation flight. The usual elliptical distribution that is optimal for a given wing with a given span is no longer optimal for the trailing wing in a formation due to the asymmetric nature of the encountered flow field. Control surfaces along the trailing edge of the wing can be configured to obtain a non-elliptical profile that is more optimal in terms of minimum combined induced and profile drag. Due to the difficult-to-predict nature of formation flight aerodynamics, a Newton-Raphson peak-seeking controller is used to identify in real time the best aileron and flap deployment scheme for minimum total drag. Simulation results show that the peak-seeking controller correctly identifies an optimal trim configuration that provides additional drag savings above those achieved with conventional anti-symmetric aileron trim.
Document ID
20130001676
Acquisition Source
Armstrong Flight Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hanson, Curtis E.
(NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Ryan, Jack
(NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 27, 2013
Publication Date
July 22, 2012
Subject Category
Aircraft Stability And Control
Report/Patent Number
DFRC-E-DAA-TN5266
Meeting Information
Meeting: Guidance Navigation and Control Conference
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Country: United States
Start Date: July 22, 2012
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 561581.02.08.02.46.03.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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