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Practical LPV Modeling and Control Framework for Aeroelastic Morphing UAV

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8650-05-M-3538
Agency Tracking Number: F051-244-1105
Amount: $99,824.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF05-244
Solicitation Number: 2005.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-04-13
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-04-13
Small Business Information
7430 E. Stetson Drive , Suite 205
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
United States
DUNS: 182103291
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Dario Baldelli
 Engineering Specialist
 (480) 945-9988
 dario@zonatech.com
Business Contact
 Jen Scherr
Title: Technical Assistant
Phone: (480) 945-9988
Email: jennifer@zonatech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

ZONA Technology proposes an R&D effort to establish a practical modeling and synthesis framework for the control of morphing elastic wing structures. The complex nonlinear dynamic behavior of the UAV during the in-flying morphing process will be approximated by linear parameter-varying, LPV, models over the flight variables and the morphing command. The proposed integrated methodology is formulated to successfully deal with both, in-plane (batwing) and/or out-of-plane (folding wing) configurations while taking into account the flexibility effects on the vehicle dynamics. Practical self-scheduled control laws are devised with special considerations on the morphing UAV model conservatism, the inherent fast dynamics and reduced-order of the LPV flight controllers. A feasibility study is proposed to validate this LPV modeling and control framework using a generic Z-wing morphing structure. Once successfully validated, the LPV flight controller developed in Phase I will be integrated with the distributed actuation system and power electronic into the morphing wing prototype to perform hardware-in-the-loop simulation in Phase II. Marketing the resulting software package will be simplified by taking advantage of ZONA's current extensive customer support. ZONA Technology's reputation and track record in supporting the aerospace industry and government with ZONA codes can assure the success of the commercialization plan.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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