Master's Thesis: Integrating Trajectory Optimization into Tilt-Wing Guidance & Control

What to expect

At the Institute of Flight Systems, we develop new flight control methods for unconventional aircraft configurations. A focus area of our research is transformational aircraft, which are characterized by a large flight envelope, a high degree of overactuation, and a complex transition maneuver between hover and cruise flight states. Until now, our work is primarily simulation-based and covers modeling, flight physics analyses, and flight control of a tilt-wing aircraft, with a special focus on the challenging transition phase. Offline trajectory optimization based on optimal control has been used extensively to find optimal transition strategies, to estimate the transition corridor (flight envelope during transition phase), and to analyze failure impact. In line with the upcoming experimental research phase, the goal of this thesis is to extend the existing work by bringing the disciplines of flight control and trajectory optimization closer together, exploiting either data from offline optimization or implementing an online algorithm. This harmonization will allow for optimal maneuvers that exploit full plant capabilities while respecting aircraft limitations.

Your task is to build on a history of flight dynamics and control research for tilt-wing aircraft and extend the current control concept by incorporating data and/or algorithms based on optimal control. After the simulation-based development phase, the concept is transferred and implemented on a new subscale demonstrator configuration. This includes thorough testing (i.e., for runtime insurance) and clearance. Then, the preparations for the flight tests, where both the on-hardware implementation and in-the-loop tests take place. If time allows, you will also support us with upcoming flight test campaigns and help us with any work that arises there.

Your tasks

• Literature research (tilt-wing flight dynamics & control, optimal control, model predictive control)
• Deriving concepts & requirements for harmonizing trajectory optimization and flight control
• Transfer the current modeling approach to the target platform
• Implement and test the concept in simulation
• Analyze the performance of the extended flight controller
• Implement and test the concept on flight hardware (HiL)
• Flight test the algorithm

Your profile

• Above average enrolled master student in aerospace engineering or similar
• Good knowledge in Matlab/Simulink
• Good knowledge in flight mechanics and dynamics and flight control
• Preferably initial experience with optimal control / model predictive control
• Preferably initial experience with flight control
• Independent, autonomous work approach
• Interest to work scientifically