High Performance Flow Analysis and Control Tools for Aerial Vehicles, Phase I

The objective of the project is the design and development of an open architecture, computer aided control design toolbox for distributed parameter systems, in particular to aerodynamic control for high performance applications in aerial vehicles. Especially, for unmanned aerial vehicles, small actuators can have a big aerodynamic impact. An effective controlled network of distributed micro actuators and sensors can enable aggressive performance not possible through traditional control surfaces like aileron, elevator, rudder and flaps. Even for larger aircraft the emerging paradigm for control involves an array of actuators and distributed sensing. In addition to enhanced performance this provides much greater redundancy that can be utilized to confront battle damage or actuator and sensor failures in commercial jet liners. We propose the use of integrated set of computing tools including 3D drawing tools, symbolic processing tools, numerical tools and visualization software for 3D animated graphics for the development. With continuing advances in distributed actuation and sensing technologies these tools will find widespread application in emerging unmanned aerial vehicle industry. The toolbox in conjunction with commonly used numerical software will provide designers the ability to seamlessly test control design by integrating and automating several key steps in the design cycle.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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