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.


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    Title :

    Flight dynamics simulation of lightcraft propelled by laser ablation


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    High-Power Laser Ablation VI ; 2006 ; Taos,NM,United States


    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2006-05-31





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English






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