Analysis of the dynamic response characteristics of UAV turning behavior on a mobile platform

Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish a high-fidelity rigid-flexible coupling model of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by combining the finite element method (FEM) and multi-body dynamics method (MBD), which can be used to accurately capture the complex turning behavior of a UAV on the mobile platform. Design/methodology/approach The turning dynamics of a UAV operating on a mobile platform are investigated by considering the coupled effects of steering input, landing gear compliance, tire deformation and platform motion. A unified dynamic framework is developed where flexible components (based on FEM) are embedded within an MBD environment. To ensure numerical stability and physical validity, a drop test simulation is employed to initialize the ground-contact equilibrium and verify the contact force balance. Subsequently, the UAV turning process is simulated using an explicit solution scheme to quantify platform-induced effects on trajectory response and dynamic load transfer. Findings Results indicate that the proposed model effectively captures the nonlinear dynamic responses of the UAV. The turning trajectory is governed by the effective steering input, where the relative Nose Landing Gear deflection acts as the primary determinant of steering precision. Specifically, the superposition of platform motion induces substantial fluctuations in the UAV’s angular acceleration and roll angle, exacerbating lateral load transfer. Furthermore, parametric analysis indicates that increased taxiing speeds amplify the system’s sensitivity to deck oscillations, thereby narrowing the stable maneuvering envelope. Originality/value This study establishes a unified rigid-flexible coupling framework that overcomes the accuracy limitations of rigid-body models in complex deck environments. The work offers essential theoretical support for optimizing ground maneuvering strategies and determining the safe operational boundaries for carrier-based UAVs.