Engineering topics

Rickard, W. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Rickard, W. W..

4 records

NASA NTRS1982

Analytical and simulator study of advanced transport

An analytic methodology, based on the optimal-control pilot model, was demonstrated for assessing longitidunal-axis handling qualities of transport aircraft in final approach. Calibration of the methodology is largely in terms of closed-loop performance requirements, rather than specific vehicle response characteristics, and is based on a combination of published criteria, pilot preferences, physical limitations, and engineering judgment. Six longitudinal-axis approach configurations were studied covering a range of handling qualities problems, including the presence of flexible aircraft modes. The analytical procedure was used to obtain predictions of Cooper-Harper ratings, a solar quadratic performance index, and rms excursions of important system variables.

Levison, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Further tests of a model-based scheme for predicting pilot opinion ratings for large commercial transports

A methodology was demonstrated for assessing longitudinal-axis handling qualities of transport aircraft on the basis of closed-loop criteria. Six longitudinal-axis approach configurations were studied covering a range of handling quality problems that included the presence of flexible aircraft modes. Using closed-loop performance requirements derived from task analyses and pilot interviews, predictions of performance/workload tradeoffs were obtained using an analytical pilot/vehicle model. A subsequent manned simulation study yielded objective performance measures and Cooper-Harper pilot ratings that were largely consistent with each other and with analytic predictions.

Rickard, W. W.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Modeling and parameter uncertainties for aircraft flight control system design

As aircraft designs trend toward further applications of control-configured vehicle concepts, aircraft control systems increasingly rely on stability augmentation to obtain normal flying qualities and reasonable structural margins. Although the control system designer would choose to have a perfect dynamic description of the vehicle, he knows that a level of uncertainty of plant dynamics will exist. This paper gives typical values of plant uncertainties for some recent aircraft design and development programs. Histories of pertinent aerodynamic, inertial, and structural parameters from program initiation to aircraft certification are given. These data can be used as typical of future vehicles so that control system design concepts can be evaluated with due consideration to their sensitivity to uncertainties in plant dynamics.

Rickard, W. W.↗

NASA NTRS1973

A design study for a simple-to-fly, constant attitude light aircraft

The activities during a four-year study by doctoral students to evolve in detail a design for a simple-to-fly, constant attitude light airplane are described. The study indicated that such aircraft could materially reduce the hazards to light airplane occupants which arise from the high pilot work load and poor visibility that occur during landing. Preliminary cost studies indicate that in volume production this system would increase the cost of the aircraft in roughly the same fashion that automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and cruise control increase the cost of a compact car.

Smetana, F. O.↗