Multi-Objective Flight Control Optimization Framework

About this technology

Overview

As aircraft wings become more flexible, adverse aerodynamic interactions with the wing structure can result in changes in the wing shapes due to aeroelastic deflections that can prevent the optimal aerodynamic performance from being realized. The flexible wing structure can also be more susceptible to vibration due to atmospheric turbulence and wind gusts which can affect passenger ride comfort and compromise the structural integrity. NASA Ames Research Center has developed a new multi-objective flight control optimization framework that can achieve multiple control objectives simultaneously. These control objectives comprise rigid-aircraft stability augmentation control, flexible mode suppression, drag optimization, and maneuver / gust load alleviation, while still maintaining traditional pilot command-tracking tasks. The technology addresses the operational constraints and the efficiency goal of modern transports simultaneously in order to arrive at optimal flight control solutions.