A six degree-of-freedom (DOF) dynamic model was developed to provide insight into the flight behavior of Type 200 Lightcraft, and to serve as a research tool for developing future engine-vehicle configurations for laser launching of nano-satellites (1-10 kg). Accurate engine, beam, and aerodynamics models are included to improve the predictive capability of the 6-DOF code. The aerodynamic forces of lift, drag, and aerodynamic pitching moment were derived from Fluent ® computational fluid dynamics predictions, and calibrated against limited existing wind tunnel data. To facilitate 6-DOF model validation, simulation results are compared with video analysis of flights under comparable conditions. Despite current limitations of the 6-DOF model, the results compared well with experimental flight trajectory data.
Flight dynamics simulation of lightcraft propelled by laser ablation
High-Power Laser Ablation VI ; 2006 ; Taos,NM,United States
Proc. SPIE ; 6261
2006-05-31
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Analysis of the Laser Propelled Lightcraft Vehicle
NTRS | 2000
|Analysis of the laser propelled Lightcraft vehicle
AIAA | 2000
|Analysis of the Laser Propelled Lightcraft Vehicle
NTIS | 2000
|