seeing and feeling the future a role for flight simulation in engineering education dr mark d white,...
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Seeing and feeling the future
A ROLE FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Dr Mark D White, Professor Gareth D Padfield
Flight Science & Technology Research GroupThe University of Liverpool U.K.
www.flightlab.liv.ac.uk
EE2006Liverpool July 24th - 26th 2006
Seeing and feeling the future
Challenges faced by Aerospace Engineering Degree Programmes
Achieved in this case by the use of Flight Simulation
To produce capable graduates for the Aerospace Industry
By providing an environment enabling the development of technicaland inter-personal skills through challenging modules and exposure to active learning methods
Learning environment should instil the desire for self-improvement, with modules developed alongConceive, Design, Implement and Operate (CDIO) guidelines
How?
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Key Components for Simulation Active Learning Environment
Key ingredient: challengingproblem based learning (PBL) modules
Hardware: Ranging from home built tofull motion research facilities
Software: From high fidelity modelling environmentsto games development packages
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High Fidelity Simulation Environment - HELIFLIGHT
• 6-axis motion cueing
• 6 visual channels
• 4-axis dynamic control loading
• FLIGHTLAB modelling environment: selective fidelity, re-configurable flight models
• PilotStation – real time interface for piloted simulation
• Available for students to test new aircraft designs, modifications, control and display concepts
• Utilised in 4 u/g Aerospace Engineering modules
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Low Cost Simulation Environments
X-Pit Simulator• Uses X-Plane Software, Matlab/Simulink
• Developed “in-house”
• Fixed base, 2 Visual channels
• Networked to HELIFLIGHT
Desktop Simulation• Flybox or joystick to drive FLIGHTLAB, Matlab/Simulink models
• Accessible to a larger number of students
• Integrated readily into various degree modules
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Simulation Modelling Software
• GSCOPE– component-level editor
• FLME- model editor– develop models from higher level
primitives– selective fidelity
• Xanalysis– nonlinear analysis– linearisation, stability– handling qualities– control system design
FLIGHTLAB
Complex systems can be designed and analysed offline and implementedquickly online allowing rapid prototyping of design solutions
• Matlab xPC Real-Time Target for closed-loop simulation of Simulink Aerospace models.
• The full Matlab ‘suite’ can be used to create aerospace Models.
• Matlab Virtual Reality Toolbox can aid with visualisation of concepts
MATLAB
Generic rotorcraft model
AeroSim Blockset Cessna 172 Model
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Simulator Utilisation
0
120
240
360
480
600
720
840
960
1080
UndergaduateActivities
UCAS/SchoolsVisits
AppliedResearch
System Work CommercialVisits
Total
Ho
urs
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Increased demand forsimulator utilisation
Undergraduate teaching and research and schools activities account for ~ 1/3 of simulator utilisation
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Undergraduate Simulator Activities
Simulator environment provides “vehicle” for knowledge acquisition
Rotorcraft Flight (Yr3)
Vertical and roll axis response of UH-60 helicopter, lab class with test pilot
Flight Awareness (Yr1)Hands on experience of general aircraft handling, take-off, circuits, approach & landing, stall, spin
Flight Handling Qualities (Yr4)
Problem Based Learning Module
Flight Control Systems (Yr3)Design state feedback controller and proportional feedback controller for an unstable aircraft, evaluated in HELIFLIGHT by students “flying” their designs
Final Year Research Projects
(Yr3 and 4)
HEADSTARTYr 12 Schools
Activity
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Flight Handling Qualities (FHQ) – A Problem Based Learning Module
• Goal is to identify HQ deficiencies and fix them
• Teams working on different aircraft with different role
• ‘interactive’ lectures on HQ theory and practice
• pbl surgeries• personal learning journal,
— Knowledge & Skills, Intellectual abilities, practical & transferable skills
— Technical leaflets, meeting notes• team building exercises• ‘before and after’ simulation trials with
visiting test pilots• team report and presentations to
‘customer’ group (QinetiQ staff)• Brings together material from a large
numbers of modules taken over the 4 years
Module Research Aircraft
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FHQ Practical Example – Wright Flyer Stability
Improved?
DesignDetermine optimum section
Select IdeaChanges to wing
Success in Design?
Implement OfflineUse software to see
if stability is improved
Implement on Simulator
Need Stability,
brainstorm solutions
SUCCESS!(stable)
FAILURE(aircraft cannotpull out of turn)
YES NO
YESNO
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FHQ Practical Example – Wright Flyer Stability
Improved?
DesignDetermine optimum section
Select IdeaChanges to wing
Success in Design?
Implement OfflineUse software to see
if stability is improved
Implement on Simulator
Need Stability,
brainstorm solutions
SUCCESS!(stable)
FAILURE(unstable)
YES NO
YESNO
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CDIO vs. Conventional Module
In touch with reality
Increased feedback
Student feedback
More engagingIncreased responsibility
Visible end productIncreased skills
development
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Undergraduate Research – Building on Industrially Relevant Projects (below)
Rotary WingRotary WingTail rotor failures - control concepts, Simulating Helicopter Engine Off Landings, Helicopters in Steep Descent, Encounters with fixed-wing aircraft vortices, Puma helicopter development, Fairey Rotodyne
Display Systems & Visual PerceptionDisplay Systems & Visual PerceptionInvestigation into How Peripheral Vision Affects Situation Awareness in Flight, Visual perception in fixed wing/rotary wing approaches
Fixed WingFixed WingModel development:Grob, B747, Space Shuttle, Bristol Boxkite, X-29Jetstream, Centaur Seaplane
Tilt-rotorTilt-rotorPitch/Flight Path Handling Qualities of Tilt Rotor Aircraft, High Altitude Assessment of Dutch Roll Stability, Actuator Failure Analysis with Turbulent Encounters, Lateral Handling Qualities of the XV-15 Tilt-rotor
Simulation FidelitySimulation FidelityAdaptive Pilot Model For Simulation Fidelity Assessment – Yaw Axis Manoeuvres, Evaluation of Low Cost Flight Simulator – Fixed and Rotary Wing
• Modelling & SimulationModelling & Simulation– Simulation & modelling of fixed and rotary wing aircraft flight dynamics– Simulation fidelity; development of criteria and validation methods for rotary wing aircraft – Helicopter interactions with turbulent wakes, vortex wakes of fixed wing aircraft and ship airwakes
– Flight envelope expansion of rotary wing aircraft through modelling and simulation
• Aircraft HQ and Flight ControlAircraft HQ and Flight Control– Robust / H-infinity optimal control theory– Helicopter control and handling qualities research, including control problems with underslung loads, handling qualities in degraded conditions and structural load alleviation concepts
• Advanced ConfigurationsAdvanced Configurations– Handling qualities and control of tilt rotor aircraft – development of handling qualities criteria, flight control systems, control laws and structural load alleviation issues– Aircraft-pilot couplings and pilot in the loop oscillations; criteria and design solutions
• Visual Perception and DisplaysVisual Perception and Displays– Design of vision aids for fixed wing and rotary wing flight in degraded visual environments– Pilot-vehicle interface technologies
Allows students to engage with “real-world” problems
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Schools Activities - HEADSTART
• HEADSTART: Part of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Best Programme
• Summer school for Year 12 students• Aims:
– Demonstrate what science and engineering is about
– To experience undergraduate life prior to applying to UCAS
– Insight into future careers• Aerospace Focus Programme at Liverpool
based on Wright 1903 Flyer simulations
PBL modules can be readily adapted for schools activities
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HEADSTART - Programme• Handling Qualities Improvements to Wright 1903 Flyer• 40 students working in teams • Laboratory exercises
– Wind tunnel testing– Simulation & Modelling– Control
• Simulator Sessions– Test pilot for evaluation of initial and upgraded model – Design of Mission Task Elements– Modelling & implementation
• Presentation– To other students and members of Academic staff– Analysis of deficiencies– Effect of modifications
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HEADSTART – Results
Sometimes all does not go to plan……..
..but debriefing with a Test Pilot gives studentsthe opportunity to re-evaluate their work and learn from their mistakes
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HEADSTART – Results
• Handling Qualities deficiencies identified
• Modifications improved Handling Qualities Ratings
• By course end, students tackled problems they did not think they were are able to do at the beginning of the course
• 88% of students indicated Headstart confirmed their choice for studying Engineering at University
• 90% of students would include UoL as a UCAS choice0
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Stall Right Tracking Landing Average
HQ
R 19032006
Engine Moved
Canard movedWinglets
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Summary & Future Developments
• Students find the PBL experience more engaging than “traditional” modules and allows them to develop more both intellectually and personally
• Modules can be readily adapted for different audiences
• Number of undergraduate modules with PBL & flight simulation content will continue to grow
• Development of new PBL modules
• Expand and enhance current simulation facilities
• Consolidation of knowledge acquisition from a wider range of modules