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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Wenhua Guo, Xinmin Hong and Chunxia Chen

This paper aims to study the influence of aerodynamics force of trains passing each other on the dynamic response of vehicle bridge coupling system based on numerical simulation…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of aerodynamics force of trains passing each other on the dynamic response of vehicle bridge coupling system based on numerical simulation and multi-body dynamics and put forward the speed threshold for safe running of train under different crosswind speeds.

Design/methodology/approach

The computational fluid dynamics method is adopted to simulate the aerodynamic force in the whole process of train passing each other by using dynamic grid technology. The dynamic model of vehicle-bridge coupling system is established considering the effects of aerodynamic force of train passing each other under crosswind, the dynamic response of train intersection on the bridge under crosswind is computed and the running safety of the train is evaluated.

Findings

The aerodynamic force of trains' intersection has little effects on the derailment factor, lateral wheel-rail force and vertical acceleration of train, but it increases the offload factor of train and significantly increases the lateral acceleration of train. The crosswind has a significant effect on increasing the derailment factor, lateral wheel-rail force and offload factor of train. The offload factor of train is the key factor to control the threshold of train speed. The impact of the aerodynamic force of trains' intersection on running safety cannot be ignored. When the extreme values of crosswind wind speed are 15 m·s−1, 20 m·s−1 and 25 m·s−1, respectively, the corresponding speed thresholds for safe running of train are 350 km·h−1, 275 km·h−1 and 200 km·h−1, respectively.

Originality/value

The research can provide a more precise numerical method to study the running safety of high-speed trains under the aerodynamic effect of trains passing each other on bridge in crosswind.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2020

Ran Sun, Aidang Shan, Chengxi Zhang and Qingxian Jia

This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of using the combination of Lorentz force and aerodynamic force as a propellantless control method for spacecraft formation.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of using the combination of Lorentz force and aerodynamic force as a propellantless control method for spacecraft formation.

Design/methodology/approach

It is assumed that each spacecraft is equipped with several large flat plates, which can rotate to produce aerodynamic force. Lorentz force can be achieved by modulating spacecraft’s electrostatic charge. An adaptive output feedback controller is designed based on a sliding mode observer to account for unknown uncertainties and the absence of relative velocity measurements. Aiming at distributing the control input, an optimal control allocation method is proposed to calculate the electrostatic charge of the Lorentz spacecraft and control commands for the atmospheric-based actuators.

Findings

Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy in the presence of J2 perturbations. Simulation results show that relative motion in a formation can be precisely controlled by the proposed propellantless control method under uncertainties and unavailability of velocity measurements.

Research limitations/implications

The controllability of the system is not theoretically investigated in the current work.

Practical implications

The proposed control method introduced in this paper can be applied for small satellites formation in low Earth orbit.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the paper is the proposal of the propellantless control approach for satellite formation using the combination of Lorentz force and aerodynamic force, which can eliminate the requirement of the propulsion system.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2023

Huang Taiming, JingMao Ma, Li Zhang, Pan Hao, MingChen Feng, Wei Zeng and Changjie Ou

The purpose of this study is investigate the transient aerodynamic characteristics of high-speed vehicle with body roll motion under crosswind condition to improve aerodynamic

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is investigate the transient aerodynamic characteristics of high-speed vehicle with body roll motion under crosswind condition to improve aerodynamic stability.

Design/methodology/approach

An overset mesh was used to simulate the rolling motion of the vehicle body. A wind tunnel experiment was conducted to validate the numerical method.

Findings

The results revealed that the vehicle’s aerodynamic characteristics changed periodically with the body’s periodic motion. In the absence of crosswind, the pressure distribution on the left and right sides of the vehicle body was symmetrical, and the speed streamline flowed to the rear of the vehicle in an orderly manner. The maximum aerodynamic lift observed in the transient simulation was −0.089, which is approximately 0.70 times that of the quasi-static simulation experiment. In addition, the maximum aerodynamic side force observed in the transient simulation was 0.654, which is approximately 1.25 times that of the quasi-static simulation experiment.

Originality/value

The aerodynamic load varies periodically with the vehicle body’s cyclic motion. However, the extreme values of the aerodynamic load do not occur when the vehicle body is at its highest or lowest position. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the mutual interference of airflow viscosity and the hysteresis effect in the flow field, leading to the formation of a substantial vortex near the wheel. Consequently, the aerodynamic coefficient at each horizontal position becomes inconsistent during the periodic rolling of the vehicle body.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

L. Ebrahimnejad, K.D. Janoyan, D.T. Valentine and P. Marzocca

The application of reduced order models (ROMs) in the aerodynamic/aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges, unlike the aeronautical structures, has not been extensively studied…

Abstract

Purpose

The application of reduced order models (ROMs) in the aerodynamic/aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges, unlike the aeronautical structures, has not been extensively studied. ROMs are computationally efficient techniques, which have been widely used for predicting unsteady aerodynamic response of airfoils and wings. This paper aims to discuss the application of a reduced order computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) in the aeroelastic analysis of the Great Belt Bridge (GBB).

Design/methodology/approach

The aerodynamic impulse response of the GBB section is used to construct the aerodynamic ROM, and then the aerodynamic ROM is coupled with the reduced DOF model of the system to construct the aeroelastic ROM. Aerodynamic coefficients and flutter derivatives are evaluated and compared to those of the advanced discrete vortex method-based CFD code.

Findings

Results demonstrate reasonable prediction power and high computational efficiency of the technique that can serve for preliminary aeroelastic analysis and design of long-span bridges, optimization and control purposes.

Originality/value

The application of a system identification tool like ERA into the aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges is performed for the first time in this work. Authors have developed their earlier work on the aerodynamic analysis of long-span bridges, published in the Journal of Bridge Engineering, by coupling the aerodynamic forces with reduced DOF of structural system. The high computational efficiency of the technique enables bridge designers to perform preliminary aeroelastic analysis of long-span bridges in less than a minute.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2009

Fathi Jegarkandi Mohsen, Salezadeh Nobari Ali, Sabzehparvar Mahdi, Haddadpour Hassan and Tavakkoli Farhad

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the aeroelastic behavior of a supersonic flight vehicle flying at moderate angles of attack using global analytic nonlinear aerodynamic

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the aeroelastic behavior of a supersonic flight vehicle flying at moderate angles of attack using global analytic nonlinear aerodynamic model.

Design/methodology/approach

Aeroelastic behavior of a supersonic flight vehicle flying at moderate angles of attack is considered, using nonlinear aerodynamics and linear elastodynamics and structural models. Normal force distribution coefficient over the length of the vehicle and pitching moment coefficient are the main aerodynamic parameters used in the aeroelastic modeling. It is very important to have closed form analytical relations for these coefficients in the model. They are generated using global nonlinear multivariate orthogonal modeling functions in this work. Angle of attack and length of the vehicle are selected as independent variables in the first step. Local variation of angle of attack is applied to the analytical model and due to its variation along the body of the vehicle, equations of motion are finalized. Mach number is added to the independent variables to investigate its role on instability of the vehicle and the modified model is compared with the previous one in the next step. Thrust effect on the aeroelastic stability of the vehicle is analyzed at final stage.

Findings

It is shown that for the vehicles having simple configurations and low length to diameter ratios flying at low angles of attack, assuming normal force distribution coefficient linear relative to α is reasonable. It is concluded that vehicle's velocity and thrust has not great effect on its divergence dynamic pressure.

Originality/value

Based on the constructed model, a simulation code is generated to investigate the aeroelastic behavior of the vehicle. The resultant code is verified by investigating the static aeroelastic stability margin of the vehicle presented in the references. Mach number effect on the aeroelastic behavior of the vehicle is considered using modified aerodynamic model and is compared with the results. Data base for identifying aerodynamic coefficients is conducted using CFD code.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 81 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1954

E.G. Broadbent

IN Part I wc saw how structural flexibility could introduce aerodynamic forces which might eventually lead to instability, or to the complete nullification of a desired aerodynamic

Abstract

IN Part I wc saw how structural flexibility could introduce aerodynamic forces which might eventually lead to instability, or to the complete nullification of a desired aerodynamic effect. The phenomenon of flutter presents another problem in stability, but in this case an oscillatory instability is threatened. It must be realized at the outset that flutter is no mere resonance phenomenon such as the bad vibrations a motor‐car may exhibit at a particular engine speed. Flutter is a vibration in which energy is extracted from the airstrcam to help build up the amplitude, and a catastrophic failure can easily occur within a second of the start of the flutter.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2022

Saeb Amir Ahmadi Chomachar and Ashok Kuppusamy

Flight simulators are one of the noticeable breakthroughs in aerospace engineering. One of the main compartments of flight simulators is its control loading system (CLS). The CLS…

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Abstract

Purpose

Flight simulators are one of the noticeable breakthroughs in aerospace engineering. One of the main compartments of flight simulators is its control loading system (CLS). The CLS functions as a generator of virtual aerodynamic control-loads over control columns of a simulator. This paper aims to present the design of a high-fidelity six six degrees of freedom (6DOF) nonlinear CLS for the Boeing-747 aircraft simulator.

Design/methodology/approach

An introduction to CLS for flight motion simulators are first recapitulated. Afterward, the commanding devices are explained through schematics available in an engineering sense. This paper then presents in detail, the active control loading strategy and hardware design for the CLS, while also introducing the aerodynamic model structure. The satisfactory computer numerical simulations are presented before the paper ends up in concluding remarks.

Findings

The multiple input multiple output (MIMO) 6DOF nonlinear CLS for Boeing-747 flight simulator has been successfully developed. The outcome of computer simulations in real-time verifies practicality of the design strategy. The research presented in this paper could be a simple roadmap for prototyping high-fidelity 6DOF nonlinear CLS for flight motion simulators.

Originality/value

The available control architecture and hardware technologies cannot enable a high-fidelity load realization in a CLS. The existing research has not yet presented a 6DOF nonlinear MIMO CLS architecture along with the underlying controller setup for a high-fidelity load realization. In this paper, the design of a high-fidelity 6DOF nonlinear MIMO CLS for flight simulator of a large transport aircraft has been accomplished.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2021

Khurrum Mahmood and Norilmi Amilia Ismail

This paper aims to optimize the mass of a tethered aerostat to achieve optimum hull volume, and fins to generate aerodynamic lift to reduce the blow-by.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to optimize the mass of a tethered aerostat to achieve optimum hull volume, and fins to generate aerodynamic lift to reduce the blow-by.

Design/methodology/approach

The design code of aerostat involving structure, aerostatics, aerodynamics and stability has been developed using MATLAB®. The design code is used to obtain the baseline configuration for a tactical aerostat mission by using the statistical values of the hull fineness ratio and the fin parameters of in-service aerostats. The effect of the design variables that include the hull fineness ratio, fin area and fin position on the aerostat mass and blow-by is determined through sensitivity analysis. The aerostat is optimized with an objective function of minimization of mass for the bounded values of design variables and taking blow-by limit as a constraint.

Findings

This study reveals that the simultaneous optimization of the aerostat hull fineness ratio, fin area and fin position results in an improvement in the design. The aerostat design with optimum values of these parameters helps in a reduction in its size and mass without compromising the blow-by limits.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been conducted by keeping the hull shape constant by selecting standard National Physics Laboratory envelope shape. The aerodynamic model used in the design code is based on empirical relationships that can be improved in future studies that can use high fidelity aerodynamic models using CFD based surrogate models.

Originality/value

The previous studies on optimization of aerostats are limited to hull envelope shape only, whereas this paper presents the optimization of the hull and fin together. The optimized configuration obtained has a reduced mass and can operate within the specified blow-by limits.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2018

Mariusz Krawczyk, Cezary Jerzy Szczepanski and Albert Zajdel

This paper aims to present a concept of an automatic directional control system of remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS) during the taxiing phase. In particular, it shows the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a concept of an automatic directional control system of remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS) during the taxiing phase. In particular, it shows the initial stages of the control laws synthesis – mathematical model and simulation of taxiing aircraft. Several reasons have emerged in recent years that make the automation of taxiing an important design challenge including decreased safety, performance and pilot workload.

Design/methodology/approach

The adapted methodology follows the model-based design approach in which the control system and the aircraft are mathematically modelled to allow control laws synthesis. The computer simulations are carried out to analyse the model behaviour.

Findings

Chosen methodology and modelling technique, especially tire-ground contact model, resulted in a taxing aircraft model that can be used for directional control law synthesis. Aerodynamic forces and moments were identified in the wind tunnel tests for the full range of the slip angle. Simulations allowed to compute the critical speeds for different taxiway conditions in a 90° turn.

Practical implications

The results can be used for the taxi directional control law synthesis and simulation of the control system. The computed critical speeds can be treated as safety limits.

Originality/value

The taxi directional control system has not been introduced to the RPAS yet. Therefore, the model of taxiing aircraft including aerodynamic characteristics for the full range of the slip angle has a big value in the process of design and implementation of the future auto taxi systems. Moreover, computed speed safety limits can be used by designers and standard creators.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 91 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1941

Murray C. Beebe

The necessity for refinement of airscrew balance in order to eliminate destructive vibration from this source is due largely to the continuously improving standards of passenger…

Abstract

The necessity for refinement of airscrew balance in order to eliminate destructive vibration from this source is due largely to the continuously improving standards of passenger comfort of modern aeroplanes and to the operator's desire to extend the normal service life of the power plant and its accessories as well as that of the aeroplane structure. Power plant vibration already has been reduced to a degree where, in standard aeroplanes, there is no longer danger of major structural failure due to vibration originating from this source. Efforts to refine further the balance of engines and airscrews are directed mainly at increasing passenger comfort and extending the service life of aeroplane equipment.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 13 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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