Dynamic Stability Analysis of Aerial Refueling Hose/Drogue System by Finite Element Method

Abstract

The present work investigates the effect of pertinent parameters such as the hose tension, tow point disturbance and vortex wake on the dynamic stability of the aerial refueling hose and drogue system by using the finite element method with an accurate and computationally efficient three-noded, curved beam element. The analysis results show that the conventional spectrum method is inappropriate for the dynamic stability analysis of the aerial refueling hose/drogue system. This is because the mechanism of instability due to the tow point disturbance is not the resonance of the refueling hose/drogue system but the wave propagation along the hose absorbing energy from the airflow as it travels downstream from the tow point, if the propagation speed is less than the airflow speed. The study also demonstrates that the vortex wake has a significant impact on the dynamics of the system. The short hose system will orbit with the vortex and the orbiting behavior will diminish as the hose length increases.