Title:
Fuel-Economic Flight Optimization for Descent and Approach Phases
Fuel-Economic Flight Optimization for Descent and Approach Phases
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Zhao, Yiming
Tsiotras, Panagiotis
Tsiotras, Panagiotis
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Abstract
This paper presents a computationally efficient flight optimization method for improving the fuel economy of a fixed-wing aircraft following a landing path during the descent and approach phases. The problem is converted to an optimal control problem with one energy state variable, subject to state and control input constraints along the path. It is shown that the solution to the energy-optimal path following problem provides a good approximation to the minimum-fuel problem, hence, it can be used for improving the fuel economy. Compared to standard numerical optimization techniques, the proposed method is more suitable for onboard real-time trajectory optimization because of its guaranteed convergence, and computational efficiency. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach, and its capability for improving fuel economy during the landing phase.
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Date Issued
2013-08
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