Conceptual Study on Control-Integrated Design Based on Multidisciplinary Tradeoff Needs for Morphing Waveriders

Abstract

The waverider configuration is a type of aerodynamic shape providing a high lift-to-drag ratio and reasonable flight capacity for hypersonic vehicles. However, hypersonic waveriders are marred by serious design problems wherein the flight performance continually deteriorates if there are deviations in the expected flight conditions. As a result, a combination of hypersonic vehicle design with intelligent morphing technologies may be advantageous in addressing flight stability issues experienced during large flight envelopes. This paper discusses the concepts of nonlinear dynamics and integrated design methods with regard to morphing waveriders. First, a parameterized longitudinal model of a hypersonic vehicle is established in terms of the resulting lift, drag, moment, and thrust obtained from oblique shock theory, the Prandtl–Meyer equation, and the quasi-one-dimensional Rayleigh flow principle. Then the influence of active deformation on waverider control quality is considered by adjusting the configuration parameters in relation to the control action. Finally, the control system of a morphing waverider is designed using the model reference adaptive control methods, and a simulation example for morphing waveriders is demonstrated with regard to integrated action among aerodynamics, propulsion, and control.