Momentum vector control for spin recovery

Abstract

A method for obtaining recovery controls from nonlinear flight conditions such as spins, using momentum vector control, is presented. In a spin, the large angular velocity and high angles of attack the airplane experiences make it diffkult to control. This loss of control is a serious cause of aviation accidents. In this study, a systematic approach to momentum vector control is proposed. To arrest rotation and also to recover from the spin, the direction and magnitude of linear and angular momentum vectors are effected to restore their steady-state and/or pre-spin entry values. Required control surface deflections to recover from spin are computed by minimizing an objective function consisted of linear and anklar momentum terms. Simulated time histories using data for a light single engine general aviation aircraft, are used to validate this proposed approach. The method produced controls time histories which effected recovery from both a steep and a flat spin. These results indicate the validity and reliability of the proposed approach.

Post-Stall Motions Evolving Toward Chaos

“…In these studies, however, the efforts were directed at slowing angular rates to bring the airplane into controllable conditions and reduce the angle of attack to a region where aerodynamic controls are effective. Also, methods for full automated spin recovery have been developed so as to arrest rotation and restore prespin conditions [22].…”