Simulation of the Joint Movement of a Robotic-Towing Vehicle and an Aircraft Using Signals from an Optocoupler Matrix

Abstract

Actuality. The heavy workload of airports with transport and cargo aviation creates a problem the land logistics, that seriously complicates the work of the airfield towing system and personnel working processes. That entails expences associated with delayed deliveries or equipment downtime. The usage of the automatic aircraft movement systems, which are capable of towing aircraft round the clock and quickly along the airfield, following the optimal trajectory allows to avoid such situations.Purpose of research. Creation of the mathematical model and the control algorithm for the autonomous joint movement of a wheeled aircraft towing vehicle and an aircraft, where the control is based on the signals of an optocoupler array.Methods. Achieving this goal required solving the following problems: describing of a dynamic model of wheeled bodies interconnected by an elastic element; creation of a feedback model based on a group of optocouplers detecting a contrast line; description of the logical conditions that allow determining the position of the object relative to the contrast line. To describe the dynamics of the wheeled platform, the equations of Lagrangian dynamics, as well as the numerical methods of mathematical modeling, were used. An optocoupler array is considered as a tool for estimating the position of the system relative to the contrast line.Results. A mathematical model, which explores the system movement and reveals the interaction of the system elements has been developed. An adaptive algorithm based on the discrete type feedback for the system managing is developed. An example of the control system when moving in a straight line with the passage of turns at an angle of 90 degrees is considered. A combined braking system in which the distributed brake efforts both on a aircraft and the tower are formed is proposed.Conclusion. As a result of the mathematical modeling, it was found that the system of wheeled bodies, bound by the force of elasticity, is able to perform controlled movements along a straight line and when passing sharp turns, based on the readings of the optocoupler matrix; corresponding graphs are shown.