Dynamic thrust and vector control ofa small scale turbojet engine

Abstract

Thrust manipulation and thrust vector control of a turbine jet engine is of consider-able importance in the areas of aircraft propulsion and dynamic stability, where the relative variation and adjustment of the two aerodynamic factors allows for a high degree of maneuverability. Implementation of an effective control system is imperative for the manipulation of lateral, longitudinal, and vertical motion, particularly when the tracking of a certain trajectory is desired. Few of such systems exist, with those that do focusing on stabilization of a particular orientation rather than the complete control of the three translational and rotational degrees of freedom. This report presents the design of a thrust vectoring control system for a small scale tur-bojet engine, the JetCat P180-RXi, that in combination with a feed forward control mechanism, allows for accurate manipulation of translational and rotational motion.The design of the experimental platform, analysis of the turbojet’s dynamic characteristics, and development of the feed forward control mechanism are presented. The developed model was verified by data collected from experimental trials and is shown to successfully stabilize the motion of the jet turbine in six degrees of freedom.