Semi-active magnetorheological refueling probe systems for aerial refueling events

This study analyzes the feasibility of applying a semi-active magnetorheological (MR) damper to a naval hose–drogue based aerial refueling system to minimize undesirable hose–drogue vibrations. The semi-active smart aerial refueling probe system consists of a probe, a coil spring, and a MR damper. The dynamics of the smart refueling probe system were derived and incorporated into an analysis of the coupled hose–drogue dynamics, so as to evaluate the load reduction of the refueling hose at the drogue position effected by the MR damper. The simulated responses of the smart refueling probe system using a MR damper were conducted at different maximum closure velocities of 1.56 and 5 ft s−1 and different tanker flight speeds of 185 and 220 knots. The simulations demonstrate that the smart refueling probe system using a MR damper enables large reductions in probe-and-drogue motions, as well as preventing the onset of large and undesirable hose–drogue motions resulting from tension loads during engagement of the probe.

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