Model Integration Workflow for Keeping Models up to Date in a Research Simulator

Abstract

Flight simulators can be categorised as research simulators, engineering simulators and training simulators. Research simulators can be introduced as both test beds for flight simulator research and computational tools for flight systems and human factors research. While engineering simulators are utilised for systems development, training simulators are used for flight training. The models that are used in training simulators and also in engineering simulators are more mature and stable. On the other hand, the models in research simulators are subject to a constant change. While Model Based Design and Software Development has brought us agile model development workflows, so that modellers can update their models more easily, it came up with some serious systems integration and testing problems, so systems developers need to establish mechanisms to tackle frequent behaviour and interface changes. DLR's Institute of Flight Systems (FT) has a long tradition in flight research and simulation of various flight vehicles. Currently a modern research simulator facility is being operated at DLR Braunschweig-AVES (Air Vehicle Simulator). AVES is designed such that interchangeable cockpits of rotorcraft (EC135) and airplanes (A320) can be operated on motion and fixed-base platforms according to the particular needs. 2Simulate is the enabling real-time simulation infrastructure of the AVES. This paper presents 2Simulate model integration workflow based on Mathwork's Simulink Coder.

Running High Level Architecture in Real-Time for Flight Simulator Integration

“…Using all these possibilities, a complete automatized model integration process was developed. 26 As 2Simulate is a flexible object-oriented framework, it is easy to extend the functionalities with minor effort. Implementing the HLA protocol itself was not necessary.…”

Automatic Inceptor Decoupling System in Electronically Coupled Active Sidesticks for Dual Pilot Helicopters

“…4) [6]. The simulation platform features coupled sidesticks and operates in a pseudo real-time environment, using the program 2Simulate as the simulation framework [8]. The inceptor coupling is modeled by MATLAB/Simulink [9].…”

Online Trimming of Flight Dynamic Models Using the 2Simulate Realtime Simulation Framework

“…For use in AVES, the software framework 2Simulate has been developed, which is used as the backbone for the simulation infrastructure. 8 It is a generic toolbox and is used for a number of projects and different purposes. 2Simulate is designed focusing on four main aspects:…”