Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Identification of an Unmanned Helicopter Robot with Flybar Dynamics

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a mathematical model for a model‐scale unmanned helicopter robot, with emphasis on the dynamics of the flybar. The interaction between the flybar and the main rotor blade is explained in detail; it is shown how the flapping of the flybar increases the stability of the helicopter robot as well as assists in its actuation. The model helicopter has a fast time‐domain response due to its small size, and is inherently unstable. Therefore, most commercially available model helicopters use the flybar to augment stability and make it easier for a pilot to fly. Working from first principles and basic aerodynamics, the equations of motion for full six degree‐of‐freedom with flybar‐degree of freedom are derived. System identification experiments and results are presented to verify the mathematical model structure and to identify model parameters such as inertias and aerodynamic constants. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.