Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle utilizing a controller having a vehicle model that corresponds to the vehicle. The method includes utilizing the controller to provide inputs during vehicle operation, and measuring vehicle outputs for a plurality of times while the vehicle is in operation. The method further includes determining modeling parameters of the vehicle model to thereby model vehicle behavior, wherein the modeling parameters are determined based upon the utilized inputs and the measured outputs. Predicted vehicle outputs for the plurality of times are determined, at least in part, by utilizing the determined modeling parameters. The system further includes determining a system error for the plurality of times utilizing a difference between the measured vehicle outputs and the predicted vehicle outputs. The vehicle model is modified to provide adaptive changes while the vehicle is in operation based, at least in part, on the system error.

Abstract: A passive gust load alleviation device for an aerodynamic panel includes a free-floating aerodynamic control surface connected to the panel via a revolute joint. A counterweight is connected to the control surface. Relative to a direction of ambient airflow, the counterweight has a center of gravity forward of the axis of rotation. The counterweight is configured to passively deflect the control surface about the axis to alleviate a gust load. A vehicle includes an aerodynamic panel connected to a body and extending into ambient airflow, and the control surface and counterweight. A method for alleviating the gust load on an aircraft panel includes connecting the control panel, via the revolute joint, along a trailing edge of the panel, and during a flight of an aircraft having the panel, passively deflecting the control panel about the axis in response to an incident wind gust.

Abstract: A passive gust load alleviation device for an aerodynamic panel includes a free-floating aerodynamic control surface connected to the panel via a revolute joint. A counterweight is connected to the control surface. Relative to a direction of ambient airflow, the counterweight has a center of gravity forward of the axis of rotation. The counterweight is configured to passively deflect the control surface about the axis to alleviate a gust load. A vehicle includes an aerodynamic panel connected to a body and extending into ambient airflow, and the control surface and counterweight. A method for alleviating the gust load on an aircraft panel includes connecting the control panel, via the revolute joint, along a trailing edge of the panel, and during a flight of an aircraft having the panel, passively deflecting the control panel about the axis in response to an incident wind gust.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide a compact vibration damper configured to be remotely-tunable and/or self-tuning. In various embodiments, a flywheel may be coupled to a shaft that spins a rotary damper. A linear actuator may operate a scissor assembly that moves the flywheel thereby changing the mass moment of inertia of the spinning flywheel without changing the actual mass of the flywheel. The linear actuator may move the scissor assembly and flywheel to tune the compact vibration damper. In additional embodiments, opposing rotary springs may be coupled to the shaft that spins the rotary damper.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide a compact vibration damper configured to be remotely-tunable and/or self-tuning. In various embodiments, a flywheel may be coupled to a shaft that spins a rotary damper. A linear actuator may operate a scissor assembly that moves the flywheel thereby changing the mass moment of inertia of the spinning flywheel without changing the actual mass of the flywheel. The linear actuator may move the scissor assembly and flywheel to tune the compact vibration damper. In additional embodiments, opposing rotary springs may be coupled to the shaft that spins the rotary damper.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a rigid base with a mass coupled thereto for linear movement thereon. Springs coupled to the mass compress in response to the linear movement along either of two opposing directions. A converter coupled to the mass converts the linear movement to a corresponding rotational movement. A rotary damper coupled to the converter damps the rotational movement.

Abstract: A vibration damper includes a rigid base with a mass coupled thereto for linear movement thereon. Springs coupled to the mass compress in response to the linear movement along either of two opposing directions. A converter coupled to the mass converts the linear movement to a corresponding rotational movement. A rotary damper coupled to the converter damps the rotational movement.