A real time digital simulation supervisor
Programming real time digital flight simulation
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Programming real time digital flight simulation
Real time digital simulation of linear and nonlinear control systems with large sampling intervals, determining optimization criterion by nonlinear multipoint boundary value problem
Real time approximation of continuous system performance on digital computer using difference equations obtained from digitized transfer function
The problem of discretizing a dynamical system for real-time digital simulation is considered. Treating the system and its simulation as stochastic processes leads to a statistical characterization of simulator fidelity. A plant discretization procedure based on an efficient matrix generalization of explicit linear multistep discrete integration formulae is introduced, which minimizes a weighted sum of the mean squared steady-state and transient error between the system and simulator outputs.
Information transfer between the operator and computer-generated display systems is an area where the human factors engineer discovers little useful design data relating human performance to system effectiveness. This study utilized a computer-driven, cathode-ray-tube graphic display to quantify human response speed in a sequential information processing task. The performance criteria was response time to sixteen cell elements of a square matrix display. A stimulus signal instruction specified selected cell locations by both row and column identification. An equal probable number code, from one to four, was assigned at random to the sixteen cells of the matrix and correspondingly required one of four, matched keyed-response alternatives. The display format corresponded to a sequence of diagnostic system maintenance events, that enable the operator to verify prime system status, engage backup redundancy for failed subsystem components, and exercise alternate decision-making judgements. The experimental task bypassed the skilled decision-making element and computer processing time, in order to determine a lower bound on the basic response speed for given stimulus/response hardware arrangement.
NASA's Terminal Configured Vehicle (TCV) program has been established to develop and evaluate aircraft and flight management technology that will benefit conventional takeoff and landing operations in the terminal area. To this end, a process whereby estimates of longitudinal, lateral, and vertical winds are obtained using the present complement of sensors onboard the TCV aircraft (B737-100) is developed. The results of the simulation experiment to verify and validate the TCV B737 Data Merging and Wind Analysis program have shown that the wind analysis algorithms are correct and that very satisfactory estimates of all three wind components are obtained even in the presence of adverse atmospheric conditions and realistic measurement noise. In realistic worst case conditions, wind component errors of the order of + or - 2.0 knots longitudinally, + or - 0.5 knot laterally, and + or - 1.0 knot vertically are to be expected.
Issues affecting the fidelity of real-time digital simulation are discussed and a scalar measure of fidelity is derived which reflects the end-to-end dynamics of a given simulator. A class of explicit linear multistep discrete integration formulae are developed which are optimal with respect to the fidelity measure for a given simulation configuration. A computational algorithm is given for calculating the parameters associated with the optimal formulae.
A real time digital simulation of a STOL propulsion system was developed which generates significant dynamics and internal variables needed to evaluate system performance and aircraft interactions using manned flight simulators. The simulation ran at a real-to-execution time ratio of 8.8. The model was used in a piloted NASA flight simulator program to evaluate the simulation technique and the propulsion system digital control. The simulation is described and results shown. Limited results of the flight simulation program are also presented.
Numerical integration techniques for real time digital flight simulation
A real time digital simulation technique providing the capabilities needed to evaluate propulsion system performance and aircraft system interaction on NASA manned flight simulators, is discussed. A parameter correlation technique is used with real and pseudo dynamics in a stable integration convergence loop. The cycle time reported was 2.0 ms on one computer and 5.7 ms on the simulator computer. The model was found to be stable and accurate with time up to 50 ms. It is concluded that the program has generated a valuable simulation technology and flight simulator experience by providing an adequate level of detail to evaluate propulsion systems in a simulated flight environment.
The performance of digital real-time simulations is considered. A figure of merit is derived that quantifies a simulation's fidelity in terms of the time-domain discrepancy between its output and that of the plant it simulates, assuming that the plant is linearizable and asymptotically stable. This performance index is then used in deriving an easily automated procedure for calculating optimal values for free parameters in plant discretizations based on a generalized form of open linear multistep integration formulas. The theory is demonstrated in simulating the rigid-body dynamics of a fully articulated helicopter rotor blade system.
A real-time digital simulator of a Pratt and Whitney F100 engine has been developed for real-time code verification and for actuator diagnosis during full-scale engine testing. This self-contained unit can operate in an open-loop stand-alone mode or as part of closed-loop control system. It can also be used for control system design and development. Tests conducted in conjunction with the NASA Advanced Detection, Isolation, and Accommodation program show that the simulator is a valuable tool for real-time code verification and as a real-time actuator simulator for actuator fault diagnosis. Although currently a small perturbation model, advances in microprocessor hardware should allow the simulator to evolve into a real-time, full-envelope, full engine simulation.
In the past, propulsion system simulations used in flight simulators have been extremely simple. This resulted in a loss of simulation realism since significant engine and aircraft interactions were neglected and important internal engine parameters were not computed. More detailed propulsion system simulators are needed to permit evaluations of modern aircraft propulsion systems in a simulated flight environment. A real time digital simulation technique has been developed which provides the capabilities needed to evaluate propulsion system performance and aircraft system interaction on manned flight simulators. A parameter correlation technique is used with real and pseudo dynamics in a stable integration convergence loop. The technique has been applied to a multivariable propulsion system for use in a piloted NASA flight simulator program. Cycle time is 2.0 ms on a Univac 1110 computer and 5.7 ms on the simulator computer, a Xerox Sigma 8. The model is stable and accurate with time steps up to 50 ms. The program evaluated the simulation technique and the propulsion system digital control. The simulation technique and model used in that program are described and results from the simulation are presented.
The researchers at the Langley Research Center Flight Simulation Computing System are provided with an advanced real-time digital simulation capability. This capability is controlled at the user interface level by the Real Time Simulation Supervisor. The Supervisor is a group of subprograms loaded with a simulation application program. The Supervisor provides the interface between the application program and the operating system, and coordinates input and output to and from the simulation hardware. The Supervisor also performs various utility functions as required by a simulation application program.
A high-fidelity component-type model and real-time digital simulation of the General Electric T700-GE-700 turboshaft engine were developed for use with current generation real-time blade-element rotor helicopter simulations. A control system model based on the specification fuel control system used in the UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter is also presented. The modeling assumptions and real-time digital implementation methods particular to the simulation of small turboshaft engines are described. The validity of the simulation is demonstrated by comparison with analysis-oriented simulations developed by the manufacturer, available test data, and flight-test time histories.
The QCSEE (Quiet, Clean Short-haul Experimental Engine) Program was initiated by NASA to develop and demonstrate propulsion system technology for an advanced commercial STOL aircraft. One of the specific technical objectives was to provide technology for digital electronic control of future commercial engines. An element of this technology development was to evaluate the digital control in a simulated flight environment. In this connection a simulation program was initiated to evaluate the QCSEE UTW (Under-the-Wing) digital control system over a range of conditions encountered in typical airport operations. The goal of the simulation effort was to derive a real time digital propulsion simulation which could be integrated into a multiengine aircraft simulation. A summary is provided of the accomplishments which have been made in this program.
A real-time digital simulator of a Pratt and Whitney F 100 engine is discussed. This self-contained unit can operate in an open-loop stand-alone mode or as part of a closed-loop control system. It can also be used in control system design and development. It accepts five analog control inputs and its sixteen outputs are returned as analog signals.
A fixed-base simulator study was conducted to determine the minimum acceptable level of longitudinal stability for a representative turbofan STOL (short take-off and landing) transport airplane during the landing approach. Real-time digital simulation techniques were used. The computer was programed with equations of motion for six degrees of freedom, and the aerodynamic inputs were based on measured wind-tunnel data. The primary piloting task was an instrument approach to a breakout at a 60-m (200-ft) ceiling.