Gust Load Alleviation including Geometric Nonlinearities Based on Dynamic Linearization of Structural ROM

Abstract

This paper describes a framework for an active control technique applied to gust load alleviation (GLA) of a flexible wing, including geometric nonlinearities. Nonlinear structure reduced order model (ROM) and nonplanar double-lattice method (DLM) are used for structural and aerodynamic modeling. The structural modeling method presented herein describes stiffness nonlinearities in polynomial formulation. Nonlinear stiffness can be derived by stepwise regression. Inertia terms are constant with linear approximation. Boundary conditions and kernel functions in the nonplanar DLM are determined by structural deformation to reflect a nonlinear effect. However, the governing equation is still linear. A state-space equation is established in a dynamic linearized system around the prescribed static equilibrium state after nonlinear static aeroelastic analysis. Gust response analysis can be conducted subsequently. For GLA analysis, a classic proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller treats a servo as an actuator and acceleration as the feedback signal. Moreover, a wind tunnel test has been completed and the effectiveness of the control technology is validated. A remote-controlled (RC) model servo is chosen in the wind tunnel test. Numerical simulation results of gust response analysis reach agreement with test results. Furthermore, the control system gives GLA efficacy of vertical acceleration and root bending moment with the reduction rate being over 20%. The method described in this paper is suitable for gust response analysis and control strategy design for large flexible wings.