Control allocation for distributed electric propulsion for flight state control during turns

Kurzfassung

This study explores the use of differential thrust to enhance roll control during turns, specifically focusing on the D-LIGHT aircraft concept. The research integrates the influence of propeller slipstream effects associated with Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) into a simulation model, demonstrating how these interactions can improve aerodynamic performance and manoeuvrability during turns. The primary objective is to evaluate how differential thrust can be effectively allocated to enhance roll control during turns. An optimization was conducted to assess the ideal thrust allocation for achieving the desired moments and a novel control system was developed to optimize the deployment of differential thrust, managing the aircraft’s rolling motion under various flight conditions. Comprehensive tests were conducted to evaluate the performance and reliability of this control system across different operational scenarios. The results reveal that while differential thrust can effectively assist in controlling roll motion, relying solely on this method proves insufficient for achieving comprehensive maneuverability in flight. While it is not sufficient for sole control of the aircraft’s rolling motion, differential thrust could offer additional control in the event of an aileron malfunction, thereby enhancing redundancy. Consequently, this study concludes that a hybrid control system, integrating differential thrust with traditional control surfaces, is necessary to ensure optimal controllability during turns.