Modeling and analysis of a maneuvering aircraft and cable towed body with wake effects

Abstract

This thesis report covers the analysis and modeling of a cable towed endbody that incorporates an aircraft, wake effects, a towline, and a tow body. The aircraft is modeled as a generic tactical aircraft which is able to conduct maneuvers. The towline is treated as an elastic cable that connects the aircraft and endbody while also being affected by the aircraft wake. The endbody is treated as a simple drag sphere with allocation to continue to various shapes and sizes. A parametric study is conducted which highlights the effect of changing the parameters of towline material, length, and load factor. Three maneuvers are conducted including a turn and acceleration. The results show that longer cable lengths, those of 500 m or greater, exhibit little response to the addition of a trailing wake. However, shorter cables are affected, especially during the turn and climb maneuvers. A 50 m cable experiences an extra 8m deflection when compared to a wake-less example. During the climb maneuver, it is shown that an endbody may pass ahead of the towing aircraft, as well as above it. The effect of changing cable material is shown to be minimal, with small differences expected due to the difference in cable mass.