Nonlinear Flow and Flight Tracking Control Methods for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Microjet Actuators

该奖项的主要科学目标是在存在不确定的操作条件和不确定的非线性执行器动力学的情况下，为基于微喷执行器的无人机(UAV)开发同时进行流动和飞行控制的新方法。微喷射致动器利用振动膜片将线性动量传递给流动系统，通过小孔交替喷射和吸入流体来产生涡流。微喷流可以用来改善飞机机翼表面附近的边界层流场，从而改善无人机的气动性能和机动性。使用微喷射致动器的好处包括体积小、操作容易、成本低，并且不需要单独的燃料供应。这项研究将探索新的非线性控制方法，在设计中除了考虑边界层流场动力学外，还包括完全的非线性无人机动力学。拟议研究的重点将是开发需要最小计算复杂性的实用控制设计。交付成果包括新的理论控制设计技术、通过数值模拟进行的演示、通过风洞实验进行的性能验证、工程专业学生的教育和研究经验，以及实际操作的学生项目。期望本文的研究成果能够降低无人机控制系统的实施成本，提高无人机控制系统的性能。此外，这项研究将创造实用的基于微喷射的控制方法，可以在广泛的操作条件下应用。这将使开发能够在现实生活中实施的具有成本效益的无人机系统成为可能。研究结果将被记录在研究论文中，并将在会议记录和高影响力的学术期刊上传播。研究生和本科生将通过参与研究和实践项目而受益，他们将在整个学术或工业职业生涯中利用这些项目。

The primary science objective of this award is to develop new methods of simultaneous flow and flight control for microjet actuator-based unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the presence of uncertain operating conditions and uncertain nonlinear actuator dynamics. Microjet actuators transfer linear momentum to a flow system by using a vibrating diaphragm, which creates trains of vortices through the alternating ejection and suction of fluid through a small orifice. Microjets can be utilized to modify the boundary layer flow field near the surface of an aircraft wing, which can improve UAV aerodynamic performance and maneuverability. Benefits of the use of microjet actuators include small size, ease of operation, low cost, and no requirement for a separate fuel supply. The study will investigate new methods of nonlinear control, which incorporate the complete nonlinear UAV dynamics in addition to the boundary-layer flow field dynamics in the design. A focus of the proposed research will be the development of practical control designs that require minimal computational complexity. Deliverables include new theoretical control design techniques, demonstrations via numerical simulations, performance validation via wind-tunnel experiments, engineering student education and research experiences, and hands-on student projects. It is expected that the results of this research will reduce implementation cost and improve performance of UAV control systems. Moreover, the research will create practical microjet-based control methods that can be applied over a wide range of operating conditions. This will enable the development of cost-effective UAV systems that are capable for real-life implementation. The result of the research will be document in research papers that will be disseminated in conference proceedings and high-impact academic journals. Graduate and undergraduate students will benefit through involvement in research and hands-on projects, which they will draw on throughout their academic or industrial careers.