Geometric optimization of the flexible skirt of the aircraft using PSO algorithm

In this research, the optimization of the geometric parameters of the hovercraft skirt is investigated using the PSO algorithm in order to reduce the range of vibrations on the structure and increase the ride quality. At first, the dynamic equations governing the hovercraft in two states of contact with the ground surface and non-contact are presented. Based on the presented nonlinear dynamic equations, the equilibrium point of the hovercraft was extracted and by linearizing the nonlinear dynamic equations governing the heave motion of the vessel around the equilibrium point, the linear form of the governing dynamic equations was extracted. In order to reduce the vibrations and increase the ride quality with the vessel, an objective function is presented, and based on this objective function and using both forms of linear and non-linear dynamic equations, the geometric parameters of the skirt are obtained based on the intelligent PSO algorithm. Finally, it is shown that comparing the frequency and time behavior of the optimized hovercraft with the original hovercraft, the range of vibrations is reduced and the ride quality with the optimized hovercraft is greatly improved.