Gao Xian-Zhong and Hou Zhong-xi and Guo Zheng and Liu Jian-xia
Characteristics of Maximum Gliding Endurance Path for HighAltitude Solar UAVs
1959 - 1966
2012
6
9
International Journal of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
https://publications.waset.org/pdf/11818
https://publications.waset.org/vol/69
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
Gliding during night without electric power is an efficient method to enhance endurance performance of solar aircrafts. The properties of maximum gliding endurance path are studied in this paper. The problem is formulated as an optimization problem about maximum endurance can be sustained by certain potential energy storage with dynamic equations and aerodynamic parameter constrains. The optimal gliding path is generated based on gauss pseudospectral method. In order to analyse relationship between altitude, velocity of solar UAVs and its endurance performance, the lift coefficient in interval of 0.4, 1.2 and flight envelopes between 030km are investigated. Results show that broad range of lift coefficient can improve solar aircrafts long endurance performance, and it is possible for a solar aircraft to achieve the aim of long endurance during whole night just by potential energy storage.
Open Science Index 69, 2012