Nonlinear Dynamics Applications in Civil Aerospace
E. Coetzee (Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol / Landing Gear Group, Airbus UK)
The use of nonlinear analysis techniques, especially bifurcation methods, has emerged over the last 20 years, particularly after the advent of the modern computer. The original techniques emerged from dynamical systems and chaos theory, and gradually found its way into all walks of life. In terms of aerospace applications, these methods were initially used for the prediction of aircraft flight dynamics at high angle of attack flight regimes, where traditional methods have failed, and has emerged as a valuable tool for all types of nonlinear analysis.
This paper proposes the use of these methods as a tool that could lead to lighter structures, safer control systems, optimised trajectories around airports, and could even be applied to systems engineering processes. Huge benefits can be gained if engineers can apply these methods throughout the development stages of an aircraft. This paper will discuss some of the areas at Airbus where these methods have been applied, namely aircraft ground dynamics, shimmy analysis, braking and mechanism design.