Practical LPV Modeling and Control Framework for Aeroelastic Morphing UAV

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.