Nonlinear controller design for a helicopter with an external slung load system

This paper describes a nonlinear deterministic controller design for a helicopter with an underslung external load system. A robust control approach is considered for the control law development. The system is considered as a cascade connection of an uncertain nonlinear system. The controller is designed to ensure the stabilization of the helicopter system and the positioning of the underslung load at hover condition. Control analysis and numerical results show that the proposed controller is able to locate the load at the specified position or its neighbourhood

Stability Analysis of a Helicopter with an External Slung Load System

This paper describes the stability analysis of a helicopter with an underslung external load system. The Lyapunov second method is considered for the stability analysis. The system is considered as a cascade connection of uncertain nonlinear system. The stability analysis is conducted to ensure the stabilisation of the helicopter system and the positioning of the underslung load at hover condition. Stability analysis and numerical results proved that if desired condition for the stability is met, then it is possible to locate the load at the specified position or its neighbourhood

Damage Detection and Critical Failure Prevention of Composites

In this chapter, critical failure prevention mechanism for composite material systems is investigated. This chapter introduces both non-destructive failure detection methods and live structural tests and its applications. The investigation begins by presenting a brief review and analysis of current non-destructive failure detection methods. The work proceeds to investigate novel live structural tests, tomography and applications of the proposed techniques

Comparative analysis of failure detection methods of composites materials’ systems

This paper presents a review and analysis of current non-destructive failure detection methods of composite materials and a brief outline of the build of a bamboo bicycle which has been used as a development platform and test bed for the initial development of a novel and practical non-destructive failure detection solution, which has future compatibility for carbon-fibre (CF)-based bicycles. The paper begins by presenting the current market condition of composite materials and in particular, CF and CF-reinforced plastic, and then follows onto failure modes and proceeds to investigate a comprehensive range of failure detection methods