Aerodynamic parameter identification of hypersonic vehicle via Pigeon-inspired optimization

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach for aerodynamic parameter identification of hypersonic vehicles, which is based on Pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm, with the objective of overcoming the disadvantages of traditional methods based on gradient such as New Raphson method, especially in noisy environment. Design/methodology/approach The model of hypersonic vehicles and PIO algorithm is established for aerodynamic parameter identification. Using the idea, identification problem will be converted into the optimization problem. Findings A new swarm optimization method, PIO algorithm is applied in this identification process. Experimental results demonstrated the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method: it can guarantee accurate identification results in noisy environment without fussy calculation of sensitivity. Practical implications The new method developed in this paper can be easily applied to solve complex optimization problems when some traditional method is failed, and can afford the accurate hypersonic parameter for control rate design of hypersonic vehicles. Originality/value In this paper, the authors converted this identification problem into the optimization problem using the new swarm optimization method – PIO. This new approach is proved to be reasonable through simulation.