Aircraft Cruise Performance Optimization using Chattering Controls

Abstract

Aerospace Engineering (ABSTRACT)Aircraft Cruise Performance is examlned by using energy-state modelling to investigate fuel-range·optimal trajectories. Chattering controls are considered appropriate when the hodograph is non-convex.Classical steady-state cruise, simple chattering-cruise and the extended chattering-cruise models are studied as constrained parameter-optimization problems. The term "extended chattering" refers to vehicle system modelling extended to maintaln vertical equilibrium only on the average. Numerical solution is obtained using a variable-metric gradient-proiection algorithm and computational results are presented for three different aircraft.This study shows that simple chattering cruise for certain specific energies can result in substantial fuel savings over classical steady-state cruise. However extended chattering cruise results in only marginal fuel savings when compared to simple chattering cruise.