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At least 91 records · Page 5

Facilitating researcher use of flight simulators

Researchers conducting experiments with flight simulators encounter numerous obstacles in bringing their ideas to the simulator. Research into how these simulators could be used more efficiently is presented. The study involved: (1) analyzing the Advanced Concepts Simulator software architecture, (2) analyzing the interaction between the researchers and simulation programmers, and (3) proposing a documentation tool for the researchers.

Russell, C. Ray

Conversion from Engineering Units to Telemetry Counts on Dryden Flight Simulators

Dryden real-time flight simulators encompass the simulation of pulse code modulation (PCM) telemetry signals. This paper presents a new method whereby the calibration polynomial (from first to sixth order), representing the conversion from counts to engineering units (EU), is numerically inverted in real time. The result is less than one-count error for valid EU inputs. The Newton-Raphson method is used to numerically invert the polynomial. A reverse linear interpolation between the EU limits is used to obtain an initial value for the desired telemetry count. The method presented here is not new. What is new is how classical numerical techniques are optimized to take advantage of modem computer power to perform the desired calculations in real time. This technique makes the method simple to understand and implement. There are no interpolation tables to store in memory as in traditional methods. The NASA F-15 simulation converts and transmits over 1000 parameters at 80 times/sec. This paper presents algorithm development, FORTRAN code, and performance results.

Fantini, Jay A.

Technical evaluation report on the Flight Mechanics Panel Symposium on Flight Simulation

In recent years, important advances were made in technology both for ground-based and in-flight simulators. There was equally a broadening of the use of flight simulators for research, development, and training purposes. An up-to-date description of the state-of-the-art of technology and engineering was provided for both ground-based and in-flight simulators and their respective roles were placed in context within the aerospace scene.

Cook, Anthony M.

Manned flight simulation: Challenge and response

Early AGARD papers on manned flight simulation describe the status of an emerging test technique and then offer suggestions of problems that should be solved to advance the technique and predictions of the results that will be obtained by its use. Later AGARD literature is examined to determine how these challenges have been met, both in ground-based and in-flight simulation and how AGARD has played an important role in advancing the technique so that it is now an integral part of the aerospace vehicle design process.

Dusterberry, J. C.

Flight simulator for hypersonic vehicle and a study of NASP handling qualities

The research goal of the Human-Machine Systems Engineering Group was to study the existing handling quality studies in aircraft with sonic to supersonic speeds and power in order to understand information requirements needed for a hypersonic vehicle flight simulator. This goal falls within the NASA task statements: (1) develop flight simulator for hypersonic vehicle; (2) study NASP handling qualities; and (3) study effects of flexibility on handling qualities and on control system performance. Following the above statement of work, the group has developed three research strategies. These are: (1) to study existing handling quality studies and the associated aircraft and develop flight simulation data characterization; (2) to develop a profile for flight simulation data acquisition based on objective statement no. 1 above; and (3) to develop a simulator and an embedded expert system platform which can be used in handling quality experiments for hypersonic aircraft/flight simulation training.

Ntuen, Celestine A.

Engineering simulation development and evaluation of the two-segment noise abatement approach conducted in the B-727-222 flight simulator

Profile modification as a means of reducing ground level noise from jet aircraft in the landing approach is evaluated. A flight simulator was modified to incorporate the cockpit hardware which would be in the prototype airplane installation. The two-segment system operational and aircraft interface logic was accurately emulated in software. Programs were developed to permit data to be recorded in real time on the line printer, a 14-channel oscillograph, and an x-y plotter. The two-segment profile and procedures which were developed are described with emphasis on operational concepts and constraints. The two-segment system operational logic and the flight simulator capabilities are described. The findings influenced the ultimate system design and aircraft interface.

Nylen, W. E.

Perception and performance in flight simulators: The contribution of vestibular, visual, and auditory information

The pilot's perception and performance in flight simulators is examined. The areas investigated include: vestibular stimulation, flight management and man cockpit information interfacing, and visual perception in flight simulation. The effects of higher levels of rotary acceleration on response time to constant acceleration, tracking performance, and thresholds for angular acceleration are examined. Areas of flight management examined are cockpit display of traffic information, work load, synthetic speech call outs during the landing phase of flight, perceptual factors in the use of a microwave landing system, automatic speech recognition, automation of aircraft operation, and total simulation of flight training.

Source record

System Identification for eVTOL Aircraft Using Simulated Flight Data

This paper describes a system identification method for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The approach merges fixed-wing and rotary-wing modeling techniques with new strategies to develop a modeling method for eVTOL vehicles using flight test data. The eVTOL aircraft system identification approach is demonstrated through application to the NASA LA-8 tandem tilt-wing, distributed electric propulsion aircraft using a high-fidelity flight dynamics simulation. Orthogonal phase-optimized multisine inputs are applied to each control surface and propulsor at numerous flight conditions throughout the flight envelope to collect informative flight data. An aero-propulsive model is identified at each flight condition using the equation-error method in the frequency domain. The local model parameters are then blended to create a global model across the nominal flight envelope. Parameter estimation results are shown to provide a good fit to modeling data and have good prediction capability. The methodology is developed with a discussion of unique eVTOL vehicle aerodynamic characteristics and practical strategies intended to inform future flight-based system identification efforts for eVTOL aircraft.

system identification

Effect of Above Real Time Training and Post Flight Feedback in Training of Novice Pilots in a PC-Based Flight Simulator

The use of Post-Flight Feedback (PFFB) and Above Real-Time Training (ARTT) while training novice pilots to perform a coordinated level turn on a PC-based flight simulator was investigated. One group trained at 1.5 ARTT followed by an equal number of flights at 2.0 ARTT; the second group experienced Real Time Training (RTT). The total number of flights for both groups was equal. Each group was further subdivided into two groups one of which was provided PFFB while the other was not. Then, all participants experienced two challenging evaluation missions in real time. Performance was assessed by comparing root-mean-square error in bank-angle and altitude. Participants in the 1.512.0 ARTT No-PFFB sequence did not show improvement in performance across training sessions. An ANOVA on performance in evaluation flights found that the PFFB groups performed significantly better than those with No-PFFB. Also, the RTT groups performed significantly better than the ARTT groups. Data from two additional groups trained under a 2.011.5 ARTT PFFB and No-PFFB regimes were collected and combined with data from the previously Trainers, Real-time simulation, Personal studied groups and reanalyzed to study the computers, Man-in-the-loop simulation influence of sequence. An ANOVA on test trials found no significant effects between groups. Under training situations involving ARTT we recommend that appropriate PFFB be provided.

Khan, M. Javed

Noise radiated from inverted velocity profile jets under simulated flight

Measurements were made of the noise radiated by an inverted profile coannular jet. The measurements were made inside an anechoic chamber and forward flight was simulated with an open jet surrounding a coannular nozzle. The diameters of the center and the annular nozzles were 1.27 cm and 2.03 cm, respectively. The open jet wind tunnel was 17.1 cm in diameter and could be operated at speeds up to 150 m/sec. Noise measurements were made in the acoustic far field at several spherical angles ranging from 20 deg to 120 deg relative to the jet axis. Flow through the center jet decreased the noise radiated by the annular jet. The addition of forward velocity further decreased the noise, and the two noise reductions seem to be additive. Measurements of the mean velocity profile demonstrate that forward flight reduced the growth rate of the high speed annular jet, and that center flow reduced the rate of merging of the annular jet.

Petersen, R. A.

Thermal Protection System Evaluation Using Arc-jet Flows: Flight Simulation or Research Tool?

The arc-jet has been used to evaluate thermal protection systems (TPS) and materials for the past forty years. Systems that have been studied in this environmerd include ablators, active, and passive TPS concepts designed for vehicles entering planetary and Earth atmospheres. The question of whether arc-jet flow can simulate a flight environment or is it a research tool that provides an aero-thermodynamic heating environment to obtain critical material properties will be addressed. Stagnation point tests in arc-jets are commonly used to obtain material properties such as mass loss rates, thermal chemical stability data, optical properties, and surface catalytic efficiency. These properties are required in computational fluid dynamic codes to accurately predict the performance of a TPS during flight. Special facilities have been developed at NASA Ames Research Center to approximate the flow environment over the mid-fuselage and body flap regions of proposed space-planes type vehicles. This paper compares flow environments generated in flight over a vehicle with those created over an arc-jet test articles in terms of scale, chemistry, and fluid dynamic properties. Flight experiments are essential in order to validate the material properties obtained from arc-jet tests and used to predict flight performance of any TPS being considered for use on a vehicle entering the Earth atmosphere at hypersonic speed.

Stewart, David A.

Simulation of a synergistic six-post motion system on the flight simulator for advanced aircraft at NASA-Ames

Motion system drive philosophy and corresponding real-time software have been developed for the purpose of simulating the characteristics of a typical synergistic Six-Post Motion System (SPMS) on the Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft (FSAA) at NASA-Ames which is a non-synergistic motion system. This paper gives a brief description of these two types of motion systems and the general methods of producing motion cues of the FSAA. An actuator extension transformation which allows the simulation of a typical SPMS by appropriate drive washout and variable position limiting is described.

Bose, S. C.

Man-vehicle systems research facility advanced aircraft flight simulator throttle mechanism

The Advanced Aircraft Flight Simulator is equipped with a motorized mechanism that simulates a two engine throttle control system that can be operated via a computer driven performance management system or manually by the pilots. The throttle control system incorporates features to simulate normal engine operations and thrust reverse and vary the force feel to meet a variety of research needs. While additional testing to integrate the work required is principally now in software design, since the mechanical aspects function correctly. The mechanism is an important part of the flight control system and provides the capability to conduct human factors research of flight crews with advanced aircraft systems under various flight conditions such as go arounds, coupled instrument flight rule approaches, normal and ground operations and emergencies that would or would not normally be experienced in actual flight.

Kurasaki, S. S.

Prediction of Cognitive States During Flight Simulation Using Multimodal Psychophysiological Sensing

The Commercial Aviation Safety Team found the majority of recent international commercial aviation accidents attributable to loss of control inflight involved flight crew loss of airplane state awareness (ASA), and distraction was involved in all of them. Research on attention-related human performance limiting states (AHPLS) such as channelized attention, diverted attention, startle/surprise, and confirmation bias, has been recommended in a Safety Enhancement (SE) entitled "Training for Attention Management." To accomplish the detection of such cognitive and psychophysiological states, a broad suite of sensors was implemented to simultaneously measure their physiological markers during a high fidelity flight simulation human subject study. Twenty-four pilot participants were asked to wear the sensors while they performed benchmark tasks and motion-based flight scenarios designed to induce AHPLS. Pattern classification was employed to predict the occurrence of AHPLS during flight simulation also designed to induce those states. Classifier training data were collected during performance of the benchmark tasks. Multimodal classification was performed, using pre-processed electroencephalography, galvanic skin response, electrocardiogram, and respiration signals as input features. A combination of one, some or all modalities were used. Extreme gradient boosting, random forest and two support vector machine classifiers were implemented. The best accuracy for each modality-classifier combination is reported. Results using a select set of features and using the full set of available features are presented. Further, results are presented for training one classifier with the combined features and for training multiple classifiers with features from each modality separately. Using the select set of features and combined training, multistate prediction accuracy averaged 0.64 +/- 0.14 across thirteen participants and was significantly higher than that for the separate training case. These results support the goal of demonstrating simultaneous real-time classification of multiple states using multiple sensing modalities in high fidelity flight simulators. This detection is intended to support and inform training methods under development to mitigate the loss of ASA and thus reduce accidents and incidents.

Harrivel, Angela R.

Julia Programming Language Benchmark Using a Flight Simulation

Julia’s goal to provide scripting language ease-of-coding with compiled language speed is explored. The runtime speed of the relatively new Julia programming language is assessed against other commonly used languages including Python, Java, and C++. An industry-standard missile and rocket simulation, coded in multiple languages, was used as a test bench for runtime speed. All language versions of the simulation, including Julia, were coded to a highly-developed object-oriented simulation architecture tailored specifically for time-domain flight simulation. A “speed-of-coding” second-dimension is plotted against runtime for each language to portray a space that characterizes Julia’s scripting language efficiencies in the context of the other languages. With caveats, Julia runtime speed was found to be in the class of compiled or semi-compiled languages. However, some factors that affect runtime speed at the cost of ease-of-coding are shown. Julia’s built-in functionality for multi-core processing is briefly examined as a means for obtaining even faster runtime speed. The major contribution of this research to the extensive language benchmarking body-of-work is comparing Julia to other mainstream languages using a complex flight simulation as opposed to benchmarking with single algorithms.

Sells, Ray