Modeling and control of a magnus-effect-based ducted fan aerial vehicle

Abstract

A ducted fan aerial vehicle model using Magnus effect steering engine is proposed in this paper. This model utilizes a steering engine that comprises four cylinders that are symmetrically installed at the aft inside the duct. Interaction between the spinning cylinder surface and the duct jet flow causes the aerodynamic lift proportional to angular velocity of the cylinder. Therefore, operating range of the aerodynamic lift is guaranteed to be sufficiently wide. The efficiency of the proposed method is confirmed via numerical simulations on integrated flight dynamics developed in this study.