Multivariable PID Controller for Search and Rescue UAV Operations Based on Static Output Feedback

The research proposed in this document will build upon and extend the previously funded CRIAQ (AUT-1701) and MITACS (IT12130) projects on the development of a UAV platform for search and rescue activities in the ski facilities of Domain Saint Bernard in Mont Tremblant in collaboration with SII Canada. The goal of this research is to develop a synthesis methodology for a multivariable PID flight controller to steer a rescuing UAV to a person in danger using output feedback.

Advancing Adjoint-Based Aerodynamic Design Optimization for Industrial Cases

The primary objective of this collaborative research project is to further advance an established industrial strength framework for the aerodynamic design optimization of Advanced Aerodynamic Systems. A major expense during a three-dimensional aerodynamic shape optimization (ASO) is the cost of obtaining design sensitivities or gradients at each design iteration. The computational cost grows rapidly as the number of cost functions and design variables are added.

Nanocomposites as Multifunctional Structure for Space Radiation Shielding

During interplanetary travels, space radiations are always crucial to spacecraft design due to their extreme hazards to human beings and electronics. Conventional materials, such as aluminum and other heavy metals, have been widely used on spacecraft. The cost of launching overweighed items to space is still high even reusable rockets are available now. Reducing weight of shielding structures on spacecraft will largely benefit future space missions. Nanocomposites with extreme low density but high radiation shielding properties are proposed in this project.

Identification of a constitutive material model for an aircraft engine abradable rub strip material

This research project between the University of Windsor and Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is focused on a porous composite material used by aircraft engine manufacturers in the design of fancases of turbofan engines. The objective of the project is two-fold and includes 1) experimentally investigating the behavior of the composite material at different loading conditions; and 2) identifying a model that can be used to represent this material in fan blade-off simulations.

Intelligent control of space cameras

The intelligent control of space cameras project is concerned with development of the next generation of space cameras. Currently, there is a large gap between the onboard capabilities of standard commercial cameras and those currently in space (examples include image resolution, onboard storage, advanced scene understanding and exposure control).

A methodological approach to the use of data-supported environmental factors in support of the introduction of autonomous air vehicles in a shared airspace

The evolution of aerospace technologies and automated systems has been accompanied by the phenomenon of “de-crewing”. A large body of current research focuses on how to move to single-pilot operations (SPO), but a major barrier to the implementation of SPO and other autonomous commercial aircraft operations is that advances in human-machine interactions and human factors have not kept pace with technological change. The objective of the research project that is the subject of this proposal is to develop a methodology to simulate autonomous flight in a real-time, virtual environment.

Research, analysis and development of business processes for innovation service delivery in the aerospace market

The research activity is to collect, compile, and analyze relevant information from external open sources about specific topics impacting the aerospace market. Additionally, research into management and marketing theory related to processes, frameworks, and best practices for market analysis and investment decision-making will also be part of the project.

Reinforcement Learning for Aviation Training

This project seeks to explore the use of a class of artificial intelligence algorithms called reinforcement learning for the purpose of aiding the training of new pilots. In the process, we seek to “teach” an algorithm how to fly an aircraft by exposing the AI pilot to a virtual environment and providing it with flight data and a goal. Alternatively, the algorithm could learn by observing human pilots.

Research and Experimental Testing of Liquid-Injection Thrust Vector Control Actuator (LITVC)

Reaction Dynamics is a small-satellite launch vehicle company aiming to build a launch vehicle using a revolutionary type of rocket propulsion. Launch vehicles rely on a sophisticated Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithm to precisely navigate and stabilize their vehicle during flight. The company requires an innovative method to accurately deflect the thrust force of the engines, and a previous literature review has led them to proceed with a Liquid-Injection Thrust Vector Control (LITVC) mechanism.

Fly-By-Wire INDI-Based Generic Control Laws for Flexible Civil Transport Aircraft

On the one hand, new generation of civil transport aircraft can present aeroelastic coupling between flight mechanics and structural dynamics. The lower-frequency flexible dynamics can be perceptible by a fly-by-wire (FBW) controller.

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