Stability Analysis of a Tethered Aerostat

This paper presents a dynamics analysis of a streamlined aerostat tethered to the ground by a single tether. A nonlinear dynamics model of this system is first assembled. The tether is modeled using a lumped mass approach, and the viscoelastic properties of the tether are included. The aerostat is modeled using a component breakdown approach. The dynamics equations of the cable and aerostat are then assembled into a single system of nonlinear differential equations. A linearization of this system is then performed using a finite difference approach. The resulting linear equations of motions are decoupled into longitudinal and lateral subsets. The stability properties of each subset is then studied as a function of wind speed. The effect of varying tether length is also investigated. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]