Safety Analysis and Simulation Validation of Hose Whipping Phenomenon in Air Refueling

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the main cause of the hose whipping phenomenon (HWP) in air refueling, and come up with effective preventive measures. The system-theoretic accident model and process (STAMP), i.e., the system-theoretic process analysis (STPA), was adopted to evaluate the safety of air refueling. Then, the evaluation results were verified with a self-designed simulation validation model. The results show that the HWP is controlled by the docking speed, reel mechanism, and designed hose length; the swing range and tension change of the hose increased under inappropriate speed control; reel control could end the hazardous state of the hose within 50s after docking; the HWP occurred after the hose length was shortened from 22m to 14m. The research findings provide a reference for the prevention of the HWP.