AbstractThe endurance performance of aircraft is considered and various methods for its optimization are described. These methods concern classical techniques as well as new procedures which are the result of recent research.According to classical theory, endurance cruise is considered as a quasi steady-state flight where mass changes due to fuel consumption are taken into account but other effects (acceleration or flight path inclination) are neglected. An approximate analytical method is presented in order to provide results of a general nature. This method also includes a generalized analytical model for fuel consumption so that a unified approach covering different types of powerplant systems is possible. Furthermore, a graphical method for optimization of endurance cruise is presented. This method may be applied when aerodynamics and powerplant system show characteristics not covered by the analytical approach.Another endurance flight task considered is holding prior to landing. The trajectory of a holding pattern consists of a combination of straight and curved segments. It is shown how this combination may be optimized in order to minimize fuel consumption.According to recent research of aircraft performance, steady-state endurance cruise cannot be considered as generally optimal but there may be a periodic type of trajectory which yields a superior performance. An optimization technique based on the minimum principle and the method of multiple shooting is presented for constructing a solution for periodic optimal endurance cruise. It is shown that a significant improvement of endurance performance can be achieved with this type of a non-steady control. The improvement can be further increased when variable camber control is considered.
Optimization of endurance performance
Progress in Aerospace Sciences ; 29 , 2 ; 165-191
1992-09-23
27 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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