Research on altitude adjustment performance of stratospheric airship based on thermodynamic-dynamic-pressure coupled

Abstract

A comprehensive simulation model is established to design the altitude adjustment of the stratospheric airship with the application of the adjustable ballonets for pitch control. A series of mathematical models, including atmosphere, thermal, dynamics and kinematics, airship pressure and pitch control, are developed to achieve the altitude adjustment when the stratospheric airship flying at the stationary phase. The altitude adjustment strategy takes the thermodynamics, dynamics, and pressure control requirements together into consideration, to better fulfill the realistic flight conditions. Based on these models, the characteristics of stratospheric airship’s flight performance are simulated and discussed in detail. The results show that taking adjustable ballonets as the actuator can realize the pitch and pressure control simultaneously and satisfy the requirements of the flight missions. Furthermore, stratospheric airship can achieve altitude adjustment with the application of adjustable ballonets and propulsion system coordinately. Moreover, the simulation model can accurately present the interaction of thermodynamics, pressure, and dynamics, which better satisfies the realistic flight situation. The results and conclusions presented herein contribute to the design and operation of stratospheric airship.