Simulating Flexible Aircraft in a Full Motion Simulator

Abstract

Classical flight dynamics analyses and pilot-in-the-loop simulations are traditionally based on rigid-body aircraft models. The assumption of rigid aircraft is acceptable for classical aircraft designs. However, present ecological and economical constraints require modern passenger aircraft to become more efficient and reduce their emissions. This leads to optimized aircraft designs with light structures and high aspect ratios, which exhibit an increased aeroelastic flexibility. These modern more flexible aircraft do not necessarily allow the assumption of rigid-body modeling approaches anymore but require the inclusion of structural flexibility for flight dynamics analyses and handling qualities assessments. This also affects pilot-in-the-loop simulations in a full-motion simulator, where the consideration of structural flexibility is no common practice. The present paper describes the preparation of an extensive simulator campaign with a flexible aircraft. It addresses the question of how to integrate the oscillations resulting from the structural flexibility into the motion filter of the simulator to achieve a realistic feeling of the flexible modes.1 Research scientist, AIAA Member. 2 Research scientist. 3 Research scientist. 4 Flight Control Engineer. 5 Product Development Engineer. 6 Senior Flight Control Engineer, AIAA Member.