Landing efficiency control of a six degrees of freedom aircraft model with magneto-rheological dampers: Part 2—control simulation

Abstract

In Part 1 of this work, both the kinematic and dynamic equations of aircraft landing model integrated with magneto-rheological damper were derived. In Part 2, the landing efficiency is analyzed through landing motion simulation which is performed on the basis of the model equations derived in Part 1. To investigate the landing efficiency with respect to the operating force control of magneto-rheological fluid, two different control logics for magneto-rheological damper are designed. The first one is the skyhook controller, which is known to be simple, but very effective for the semi-active control system. In this control logic, the switching condition depending on the compression and extension mode of the damper is determined to achieve maximum energy dissipation. The second one is a modified skyhook controller associated with the semi-active bouncing control. This controller is introduced to prevent bouncing of the main landing gear tires and to reduce the roll motion of the aircraft. The landing efficiency is evaluated at several rates of descent, and its distinct features such as tire displacement and pitch angle are compared in the time domain.