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

transfer function. The ability to verify that a math model is valid with documentation toshow where the model is valid is crucial to publishing the results obtained using the CalPoly simulation lab. Access to tools industry and research is using is vital to the trainingof future engineers.Stability information for a fixed wing, standard configuration aircraft are wellknown and can be predicted accurately. However rotorcraft and aircraft with unusualconfigurations cannot always have the stability information predicted accurately, industryand research identify the aircraft after construction using CIFER to refine the controllaws to conform with the actual behavior of the airframe. CIFER is also used to modifyand confirm simulation models with the actual aircraft.Data CollectionThe Cal Poly controls group created a flight test data acquisition system to collectin-flight data from the University s Cessna 150 aircraft. The system is based on solidstate sensors and a portable laptop personal computer. The data are collected using aPCMCIA analog to digital card using software written by graduate students. The statesthat are currently available for measurement are: Barometric airspeed, barometricaltitude, outside air temperature, engine rpm, intake temperature, barometric verticalvelocity, aircraft attitude rates, aircraft linear accelerations, there are provisions for gpsinput as well as control position. A means to mount the control position potentiometerson the Cal; Poly Cessna 150 that is acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration hasnot been determined yet. Using the data collection system with CIFER to verify andmodify the 6-DOF flight model, an accurate model can be created for virtually anyaircraft.81