Model Predictive Sample-based Motion Planning for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

This paper presents an innovative kinodynamic motion planning algorithm for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, called MP-RRT#. MP-RRT# leverages the idea of RRT# and the Model Predictive Control strategy to solve a motion planning problem under differential constraints. Similar to RRT#, the algorithm explores the map by constructing an asymptotically optimal graph. Each time the graph is extended with a new vertex, a forward simulation is performed with a Model Predictive Control to evaluate the motion between two adjacent vertices and compute the trajectory in the state space and the control space. As result, the MP-RRT# algorithm generates a feasible trajectory for the UAS satisfying dynamic constraints. Preliminary simulation results corroborate the proposed approach, in which the computed trajectory is executed by a simulated drone controlled with the PX4 autopilot

Initial Evaluations of LoC Prediction Algorithms Using the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator

Flying near the edge of the safe operating envelope is an inherently unsafe proposition. Edge of the envelope here implies that small changes or disturbances in system state or system dynamics can take the system out of the safe envelope in a short time and could result in loss-of-control events. This study evaluated approaches to predicting loss-of-control safety margins as the aircraft gets closer to the edge of the safe operating envelope. The goal of the approach is to provide the pilot aural, visual, and tactile cues focused on maintaining the pilot's control action within predicted loss-of-control boundaries. Our predictive architecture combines quantitative loss-of-control boundaries, an adaptive prediction method to estimate in real-time Markov model parameters and associated stability margins, and a real-time data-based predictive control margins estimation algorithm. The combined architecture is applied to a nonlinear transport class aircraft. Evaluations of various feedback cues using both test and commercial pilots in the NASA Ames Vertical Motion-base Simulator (VMS) were conducted in the summer of 2013. The paper presents results of this evaluation focused on effectiveness of these approaches and the cues in preventing the pilots from entering a loss-of-control event

A Cloud-based Vehicle Collision Avoidance Strategy for Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) in Urban Areas

Unmanned Aircraft Systems are increasingly used to monitor and sense our cities and the diffusion of UAS will require a Traffic Management System to coordinate UAS in the low-altitude airspace. In this paper we propose a collision avoidance strategy to be implemented in an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM). The proposed strategy relies on a Cloud-based architecture that monitors and manages the low-altitude airspace, as well as coordinating the fleet of UAS. The strategy uses a Priority-based Model Predictive Control approach to define the optimal trajectory of the UAS, avoiding obstacles and other UAS with higher priority. The optimal trajectory is shared with other UAS to communicate the own motion track to be avoided by other UAS. The suggested method is implemented and tested in simulations with three UAS with conflicting trajectories. Preliminary results positively support the proposed approach

Predictive Control for Alleviation of Gust Loads on Very Flexible Aircraft

In this work the dynamics of very flexible aircraft are described by a set of non-linear, multi-disciplinary equations of motion. Primary structural components are represented by a geometrically-exact composite beam model which captures the large dynamic deformations of the aircraft and the interaction between rigid-body and elastic degrees-of-freedom. In addition, an implementation of the unsteady vortex-lattice method capable of handling arbitrary kinematics is used to capture the unsteady, three-dimensional flow-eld around the aircraft as it deforms. Linearization of this coupled nonlinear description, which can in general be about a nonlinear reference state, is performed to yield relatively high-order linear time-invariant state-space models. Subsequent reduction of these models using standard balanced truncation results in low-order models suitable for the synthesis of online, optimization-based control schemes that incorporate actuator constraints. Predictive controllers are synthesized using these reduced-order models and applied to nonlinear simulations of the plant dynamics where they are shown to be superior to equivalent optimal linear controllers (LQR) for problems in which constraints are active

Feedback methods for inverse simulation of dynamic models for engineering systems applications

Inverse simulation is a form of inverse modelling in which computer simulation methods are used to find the time histories of input variables that, for a given model, match a set of required output responses. Conventional inverse simulation methods for dynamic models are computationally intensive and can present difficulties for high-speed applications. This paper includes a review of established methods of inverse simulation,giving some emphasis to iterative techniques that were first developed for aeronautical applications. It goes on to discuss the application of a different approach which is based on feedback principles. This feedback method is suitable for a wide range of linear and nonlinear dynamic models and involves two distinct stages. The first stage involves design of a feedback loop around the given simulation model and, in the second stage, that closed-loop system is used for inversion of the model. Issues of robustness within closed-loop systems used in inverse simulation are not significant as there are no plant uncertainties or external disturbances. Thus the process is simpler than that required for the development of a control system of equivalent complexity. Engineering applications of this feedback approach to inverse simulation are described through case studies that put particular emphasis on nonlinear and multi-input multi-output models

An Innovative Mission Management System for Fixed-Wing UAVs

This paper presents two innovative units linked together to build the main frame of a UAV Mis- sion Management System. The first unit is a Path Planner for small UAVs able to generate optimal paths in a tridimensional environment, generat- ing flyable and safe paths with the lowest com- putational effort. The second unit is the Flight Management System based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control, that tracks the reference path and exploits a spherical camera model to avoid unpredicted obstacles along the path. The control system solves on-line (i.e. at each sampling time) a finite horizon (state horizon) open loop optimal control problem with a Genetic Algorithm. This algorithm finds the command sequence that min- imizes the tracking error with respect to the ref- erence path, driving the aircraft far from sensed obstacles and towards the desired trajectory

Model predictive control scheme for rotorcraft inverse simulation

A novel inverse simulation scheme is proposed for application to rotorcraft dynamic models. The algorithm is based on a model predictive control scheme that allows for a faster solution of the inverse simulation step, working on a lower{order, simplified helicopter model. The control action is then propagated forward in time on a more complete model. The algorithm compensates for discrepancies between the models by means of a simple guidance scheme. The proposed approach allows for the assessment of handling quality potential on the basis of the most sophisticated model, adopted for the forward simulation, while keeping model complexity to a minimum level for the computationally more demanding inverse simulation algorithm. This allows for a faster solution of the inverse problem, if compared with the computational time necessary for solving the same problem on the basis of the full{order, more complex model. At the same time, the results are not a�ected by modeling approximations at the basis of the simpli�ed one. The reported results, for an articulated blade, single main rotor helicopter model demonstrate the validity of the approach