Simulation analysis of a collision-tolerant micro-airship fleet

Abstract

This paper analyzes the performance of a micro-airship fleet (0.5 m diameter) to navigate indoors with waypoint control while tolerating collision between airships and the environment. Very little focus has been placed on studying airships in groups or how well they can rebound back into formation after a collision. With a micro-airship fleet, it is possible to remove the major problem of collision avoidance in multi-unmanned aerial vehicle missions, which can result in damage or even mission failure when other types of aircraft are used. These vehicles could be a viable option for missions where speed and precise control are not an important design constraint, such as indoor reconnaissance or long-term surveillance. A three degree of freedom simulation is created in which five airships are commanded to waypoints throughout a hall way. The control logic used involves independent proportional–derivative control without any communication between airships. Collisions occur during missions; thus, a contact model is included in the simulation to model these effects. Airship parameters were estimated using an actual airship to assure the simulation is accurate. The results show that the airships are able to navigate to their destinations even after several collisions.