An Integrated, Modular Simulation System for Education ... - Cal Poly

computers are now fast enough to do a single sophisticated simulation task in real timeand inexpensive enough to purchase enough to do each of the tasks required. Networkingtakes care of distributing the information each computer requires to complete its part ofthe simulation. After processing is complete each computer either sends the data out asoutput, such as graphics to a screen, or sends the data calculated back over the network tothe main computer. This technique is known as parallel computing.The modular structure of model creation allow students to study the dynamics ofvarious aircraft from basic bare airframe aircraft to advanced artificially stabilizedaircraft with closed loop digital flight control laws. The aircraft can be simulated in avariety of ways from a batch simulation with canned inputs on the desktop using a singlepersonal computer (PC) to real-time simulation on an easily re-configurable fixed-basedsimulator including actual flight hardware driven by multiple PCs and or workstations.The engineering student quickly builds and tests a model of a bare-airframe, designs thecontrol laws to tailor the response types and flying qualities [Ref. 7], then performs testsof the resulting augmented aircraft via batch simulation or joy-stick inceptor on thedesktop PC or electronic force feedback inceptor in a fixed-based simulator. UsingMatlab/Simulink on a PC, consistent and verifiable real-time and batch simulation codecan be auto-coded from block diagrams representing the equations of the simulation andarchitecture of the control laws.The development of Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight control systems has produceddramatic advances in aircraft handling qualities and performance [Ref. 10]. However,this increase in design complexity now requires extensive training and experience for theengineer to be able to analyze these complex systems rapidly and cost-effectively. Thistraining is based upon fundamental understanding of highly coupled flight mechanics,6