This paper aims to identify the main cause of the hose whipping phenomenon (HWP) in air refueling, and come up with effective preventive measures. The system-theoretic accident model and process (STAMP), i.e., the system-theoretic process analysis (STPA), was adopted to evaluate the safety of air refueling. Then, the evaluation results were verified with a self-designed simulation validation model. The results show that the HWP is controlled by the docking speed, reel mechanism, and designed hose length; the swing range and tension change of the hose increased under inappropriate speed control; reel control could end the hazardous state of the hose within 50s after docking; the HWP occurred after the hose length was shortened from 22m to 14m. The research findings provide a reference for the prevention of the HWP.
Safety Analysis and Simulation Validation of Hose Whipping Phenomenon in Air Refueling
