Unsteady Roll Moment Control Using Active Flow Control on a Delta Wing

A feedforward controller is designed to attenuate the roll moment coefficients produced by forced roll motion of a delta-wing type model. Active flow control effectors in the form of variable strength pneumatic slot-jets are located along the trailing edge of the model. The control effectors produce a roll moment coefficient proportional to the momentum coefficient. Direct measurements of the roll moment are made with the model in a wind tunnel. Black-box models for the plant and disturbance are identified, and used in the design of the feedforward controller. The effectiveness of the feedforward controller in attenuating disturbance roll moments produced by forced roll maneuvers is evaluated with periodic and pseudo-random maneuvers. Near the design point of the for the controller the root-mean-square value of the net roll moment is four times smaller than the roll moment without control.