Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gbm5v Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-24T17:49:30.613Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Validation of the FLIGHTLAB virtual engineering toolset

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2018

R. W. Du Val*
Affiliation:
Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc, Sunnyvale, California, USA
C. He
Affiliation:
Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc, Sunnyvale, California, USA

Abstract

As simulation has become an integral part of the overall life-cycle support of aircraft, the need for effective Virtual Engineering (VE) tools to support these activities has increased. FLIGHTLAB is a state-of-the-art, aircraft modelling and simulation software tool, that has been designed to address this need and is widely used in rotorcraft design, analysis, test and evaluation, and full-flight simulation applications. This VE tool supports the development and analysis of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft with an extensive library of modelling components which have been successfully used and validated in numerous, real-world applications. These components provide comprehensive modelling of aerodynamic, structural, control and propulsion disciplines. Analyses include performance, dynamic response, stability and control, airloads, and structural loads. Graphical User Interfaces and an interactive scripting language provide user-friendly operation. This paper describes the capabilities and validation activities that have been undertaken to support the development of the commercial VE toolset FLIGHTLAB over the last 20 years and discusses future rotorcraft challenges that could be addressed by enhancements to current generation VE tools.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2018 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

This is a version of a paper first presented at the RAeS Virtual Engineering Conference held at Liverpool University, 8-10 November 2016.

References

REFERENCES

1. He, C., Goericke, J. and Lee, D. Simulation development in support of investigation of handling qualities specification requirements for maritime rotorcraft, American Helicopter Society Specialists’ Conference on Aeromechanics, 23-25 January 2008, San Francisco, California, US.Google Scholar
2. He, C., Goericke, J. and Kang, H. Modeling enhancements for physics-based simulation validations, Proceedings of the 61st AHS Forum, 1-3 June 2005, Grapevine, Texas, US.Google Scholar
3. Saberi, H. Jung, Y.C. and Anastassiades, T. Finite element and modal method in multibody dynamic code, Proceedings of American Helicopter Society 2nd International Aeromechanical Specialists’ Conference, 11-13 October 1995, Bridgeport, Connecticut, US.Google Scholar
4. He, C. and Du Val, R. W. An unsteady airloads model with dynamic stall for rotorcraft simulation, Proceedings of 50th AHS Annual Forum, 11-13 May 1994, Washington DC, US.Google Scholar
5. He, C. and Xin, H. An unsteady ducted fan model for rotorcraft flight simulation, 62nd AHS Forum, 9-11 May 2006, Phoenix, Arizona, US.Google Scholar
6. He, C. and Zhao, J. Modeling rotor wake dynamics with viscous vortex particle method, AIAA J, April 2009, 47, (4), pp 902-915.Google Scholar
7. He, C. and Zhao, J. High fidelity simulation of tiltrotor aerodynamic interference, AHS 68th Annual Forum, 1-3 May 2012, Fort Worth, Texas, US.Google Scholar
8. Rajmohan, N., Zhao, J. and He, C. A coupled vortex particle/CFD methodology for studying coaxial rotor configurations, Fifth Decennial AHS Aeromechanics Specialists' Conference, 22-24 January 2014, San Francisco, California, US.Google Scholar
9. Zhao, J. and He, C. Physics-based modeling of viscous ground effect for rotorcraft application, J AHS, July 2015, 60, (3), pp 1-13.Google Scholar
10. Zhao, J. and He, C. A finite state dynamic wake model enhanced with vortex particle method-derived modeling parameters for coaxial rotor simulation and analysis, J AHS, April 2016, 61, (2), pp 1-9.Google Scholar
11. He, C. and Rajmohan, N. Modeling the aerodynamic interaction of multiple rotor vehicles and compound rotorcraft with viscous vortex particle method, AHS 72nd Annual Forum, 17-19 May 2016, West Palm Beach, Florida, US.Google Scholar
12. Strope, K., Borden, C. and Harding, J. Verification and validation of a UH-60 FLIGHTLAB model in support of the UH-60M limited user test, AHS 60th Annual Forum, 7-10 June 2004, Baltimore, Maryland, US.Google Scholar
13. Peters, D. A. and He, C. Finite state induced flow models Part II: Three dimensional rotor disk, Journal of Aircraft, March-April 1995, 32, (2), pp 312-322.Google Scholar
14. Banks, W.H.H. and Gadd, G.E. Delaying effect of rotation on laminar separation, AIAA J, April 1963, 1, (4), pp 941-941.Google Scholar
15. Strope, K., Gassaway, B., Spires, M. and Kacvinsky, R. Predicting helicopter external loads during manoeuvring flight, AHS Aeromechanics Conference, 23-25 January 2008, San Francisco, California, US.Google Scholar
16. Hodges, D.H. and Dowell, E.H. Nonlinear equation of motion for the elastic bending and torsion of twisted non-uniform rotor blades, NASA TN D-7818, December 1974.Google Scholar
17. Dowell, E.H. and Traybar, J.J. An experimental study of the nonlinear stiffness of a rotor blade undergoing flap, lag and twist deformations, AMS Report 1257, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences, Princeton University, December 1975.Google Scholar
18. Bousman, W.G. An experimental investigation of the effects of aeroelastic couplings on aeromechanical stability of a hingeless rotor helicopter, J American Helicopter Soc, January 1981, 26, (1), pp 46-54.Google Scholar
19. FAA CFR Part 60, Flight simulation training device initial and continuing qualification and use, Doc. No. FAA-2002-12461, 71 FR 63426, October 2007.Google Scholar
20. Zang, C., Xin, H. and Driscoll, J. Development and validation of an engineering simulation model in FLIGHTLAB with customized modeling enhancements, 73rd American Helicopter Society Forum, 9-11 May 2017, Fort Worth, Texas, US.Google Scholar
21. He, C., Syal, M., Tischler, M. and Juhasz, O. State-space inflow model identification from viscous vortex particle method for advanced rotorcraft configurations, 73rd American Helicopter Society Forum, 9-11 May 2017, Fort Worth, Texas, US.Google Scholar
22. ADS-33E-PRF, Aeronautical Design Standard Performance Specification: Handling Qualities Requirements for Military Rotorcraft, March 2000, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.Google Scholar
23. Lee, D., He, C., Saberi, H. and Du Val, R. Development of virtual pilot laboratory (VPLab) toolset in support of aircraft avionics testing and evaluation, AHS 68th Annual Forum, 1-3 May 2012, Fort Worth, Texas, US.Google Scholar