Estimation of stability derivatives due to translational motion of various LTA vehicles using CFD

Abstract

In this paper, the aerodynamic model parameters (stability derivatives) of the aerostat are investigated based on a CFD-based approach. The stability derivatives due to the translational motion of the aerostat are considered for the analysis in this paper. The extraction of the stability derivatives involves the simulation of the oscillations of the aerostat along the vertical direction (heave motion) and axial direction (surge motion). A forced sinusoidal oscillation is used for the simulation of the aerostat, and one stable period of oscillation is taken for the derivatives extraction. Four different aerostats are considered for the current study with four different angles of attack. Zhiyuan aerostat, HAA aerostat, NPL aerostat and GNVR aerostat are the aerostats considered for this study. The stability derivative results obtained for the four aerostats are analysed and compared with respect to their geometrical features. The dynamic stability derivatives of the Zhiyuan aerostat suggest its superiority among the four aerostats considered.