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Modelling the flight dynamics of the hang glider

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

M. V. Cook  and
M. Spottiswoode
M. V. Cook
Affiliation:
Dynamics, Simulation and Control Group, Department of Aerospace Sciences, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
M. Spottiswoode
Affiliation:
Dynamics, Simulation and Control Group, Department of Aerospace Sciences, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
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Abstract

The development of the non-linear equations of motion for the hang glider from first principles is described, including the complex geometry of control by pilot ‘weight shift’. By making appropriate assumptions the linearised small perturbation equations are derived for the purposes of stability and control analysis. The mathematical development shows that control is effected not by pilot weight shift, but by centre of gravity shift and that lateral-directional control by this means is weak, and is accompanied by significant instantaneous adverse response.

The development of a comprehensive semi-empirical mathematical model of the flexible wing aerodynamics is described. In particular, the modelling attempts to quantify camber and twist dependencies. The performance of the model is shown to compare satisfactorily with measured hang glider wing data obtained in earlier full scale experiments. The mathematical aerodynamic model is then used to estimate the hang glider stability and control derivatives over the speed envelope for substitution into the linearised equations of motion.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 110 , Issue 1103 , January 2006 , pp. 1 - 20
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

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