Interval analysis method for uncertain aerodynamic loads computation

The aerodynamic lift prediction problem of micro air vehicles in atmosphere due to continuous gust was studied. The uncertain von Karman spectrum parameters were expressed in the interval forms. Taking into account the uncertain flight condition, an interval analysis method was proposed to calculate the uncertain unsteady aerodynamic loads. The interval analysis method was based on interval extension and Taylor series expansion, which were combined with unsteady aerodynamic principle. The proposed method can be used to estimate the intervals of aerodynamic loads, requiring the intervals of uncertainties only, hence can be used to solve complex aerodynamic loads computation problems with uncertainties. Numerical example demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of interval analysis method by comparing its results with probabilistic method.