Frequency-Domain Bifurcation Analysis of a Nonlinear Flight Dynamics Model

This paper presents a methodology for systematically studying the nonlinear frequency responses of an aircraft model using numerical continuation with periodic forcing, thereby presenting extension conventional bifurcation analysis in flight dynamics applications. The motivation is to identify phenomena domain that are absent linearized models upon which many control law designs based since these can degrade performance or robustness linear-model-based controllers. Because aerospace industry typically uses linearizations controller design, both open-loop and closed-loop behaviors considered. When example considered here forced small surface deflections, highly observed. includes period-doubling bifurcations, fold bifurcations leading existence multiple solutions, quasi-periodic motions, formation isolas. Closed-loop proportional stability augmentation this become out phase linear prediction at low forcing frequencies when operates high angle attack. To address behaviors, extended by employing two-parameter gain assess its effectiveness those regions, where design techniques cannot be used. Time histories used verify results.