Dynamic Parameterization and Optimized Flight Paths for Enhanced Aeromagnetic Compensation in Large Unmanned Aerial...

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Geophysical Exploration
• Earth Science

Background:

• Aeromagnetic detection maps Earth's magnetic field for subsurface investigations.
• Aircraft platforms cause magnetic interference, distorting measurements.
• Aeromagnetic compensation corrects these platform-induced disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the conventional Tolles-Lawson (T-L) model for aeromagnetic compensation.
• To address limitations including aircraft fuselage deformation and maneuver-related interference.
• To improve operational safety and efficiency for large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Main Methods:

• Expanded the T-L model from 18 to 57 coefficients using dynamic parameterization.
• Redesigned flight protocols to eliminate hazardous yaw maneuvers for UAV calibration.
• Optimized flight path geometry for improved data acquisition.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 22.41% improvement in compensation efficacy over the traditional T-L model.
• Reduced interference magnetic field to 0.0385 nT (standard deviation) during level flight.
• Demonstrated an improvement ratio (IR) of 4.1688 in experimental validations.

Conclusions:

• The enhanced compensation framework significantly improves precision in aeromagnetic surveys.
• The refined methodology enhances operational safety for large UAVs.
• This offers a robust solution for modern aeromagnetic exploration.