Session: 02-03-02: Dynamic Loads, Wave Propagations, Response, Vibration, Control, and Alleviation of Aerospace Structures and Vehicles

Paper Number: 152507

152507 - Dynamic Load of Urban Air Mobility Aircraft in Wake Vortex of Large Passenger
Aircraft 

As Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft become a viable solution for future urban transportation, understanding the aerodynamic challenges they face in shared airspace with larger commercial aircraft is critical. One such challenge is the wake vortex generated by large passenger jets, which can impose significant dynamic loads on UAM vehicles, potentially affecting structural integrity and flight safety.

This paper investigates the dynamic loads of a UAM aircraft that encounters an incoming vortex flow. The vortex profile is modeled using the Barnham-Hallock vortex model, which features a circular velocity profile and is generated based on the wake of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, a commonly used narrow-body aircraft. The simulation explores two scenarios, open-loop and closed-loop, to account for different flight conditions and orientations when the UAM aircraft penetrates the wake.

In this study, the dynamic load experienced by the UAM aircraft structure is simulated, incorporating a Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control scheme within a closed-loop system. The LQG controller is designed to mitigate the adverse effects of wake vortex encounters by dynamically adjusting control surfaces to reduce structural stress and maintain flight stability. The performance of the LQG control system is evaluated on the effects of dynamic loads on the aircraft structure.

The primary outcome of the research is an evaluation of the magnitude of structural loads the UAM aircraft is likely to endure when flying through the wake vortex of larger passenger jets. These findings will inform design considerations for future UAM vehicles and their operational protocols in shared airspace environments. Through simulation, we aim to provide insight into the critical dynamic factors influencing the structural safety and reliability of UAM aircraft in wake vortex conditions.

Presenting Author: Tianyi He Utah State University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. He is an assistant professor at Utah State University. His research interest includes controls of autonomous ground and air vehicles.