Simulation of tiltrotor maneuvers using linear parameter varying models

Abstract

This work introduces a numerical approach to simulate a complex maneuver of a rotorcraft without calling into action complex nonlinear aeromechanic models. By using a set of a Linear Parameter Variable models of a rotorcraft, i.e. basically a set of linear models to be interpolated, it si possible to represent with a sufficient accuracy a complex maneuver that cannot be modeled using a single linear model. This approach is used to perform the evaluation of the best path to be followed during a conversion maneuver of a tiltrotor.