Airdrop dynamics modeling and simulation based on reduced multibody system transfer matrix method

Airdrop technology transfers cargo to a predetermined location using a parachute deceleration system. The cargo airdrop system is idealized as a multibody system where individual rigid bodies are connected by various joints. Most relevant researchers establish dynamics models for the cargo airdrop system using Newton-Euler method, which require differential-algebraic equations. It is a challenge to model and solve due to the existence of internal constraint forces and moments. The reduced multibody system transfer matrix method (RMSTMM) is developed to model and simulate cargo airdrop system in this paper, which avoids the symbolically deriving differential algebraic equations and has high programming and computing efficiency. The effectiveness of recursive algorithm of RMSTMM is validated. The multibody system dynamics modeling and simulation for the whole process of heavy cargo airdrop are presented by the topology figures. The variation regularity of displacement, velocity, attitude angle, and overload of the cargo under windless and windy conditions are analyzed. The paper develops a theoretical foundation for rapid modeling, simulation, design, and optimization for the heavy cargo airdrop.