Unstable unsteady aerodynamic modeling based on least squares support vector machines with general excitation

Abstract

Common, unsteady aerodynamic modeling methods usually use wind tunnel test data from forced vibration tests to predict stable hysteresis loop. However, these methods ignore the initial unstable process of entering the hysteresis loop that exists in the actual maneuvering process of the aircraft. Here, an excitation input suitable for nonlinear system identification is introduced to model unsteady aerodynamic forces with any motion in the amplitude and frequency ranges based on the Least Squares Support Vector Machines (LS-SVMs). In the selection of the input form, avoiding the use of reduced frequency as a parameter makes the model more universal. After model training is completed, the method is applied to predict the lift coefficient, drag coefficient and pitching moment coefficient of the RAE2822 airfoil, in sine and sweep motions under the conditions of plunging and pitching at Mach number 0.8. The predicted results of the initial unstable process and the final stable process are in close agreement with the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data, demonstrating the feasibility of the model for nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics modeling and the effectiveness of the input design approach.