Course Description
The intent of the course is to provide a
"top-level" introduction to Modern Flight Control
Systems (FCS’s). Basic elements of modern FCS’s are reviewed
along with typical basic structures and system elements for modern
fly-by-wire FCS’s. Modern analysis and simulation tools are
introduced and demonstrated using MATLAB® and SIMULINK®, the
advanced engineering computer programs. Students use the basics of
MATLAB and the associated Control system Toolbox during the
course. Handling qualities criteria and special issues related to
modern complex FCS’s such as Pilot Induced Oscillations (PIO’s)
are reviewed. The need for systematic closed-loop handling
qualities evaluations is emphasized. The effects of common control
system feedback implementations are presented using MATLAB and the
NTPS variable stability ground simulator (VSGS). Command path
shaping and nonlinearities in the command path, such as response
limiters, time delay and rate limiting are also introduced and
discussed. Course learning objectives are reinforced when students
complete two related mini-design/evaluation projects on the VSGS.
The objective of the course is to provide a high level of
understanding of the Principles, Issues, and Test Methods related
to modern FCS’s not to produce FCS designers. Daily review
tutorials, oral exams (2) and a final written exam are included in
the course. (Desirable Prerequisite: Completion of T&E 4104)
Texts and Reference Materials
NTPS, Vol. V,
"Modern Flight Control Systems"
"Feedback and Control Systems", Schaum’s Outlines
MATLAB (with Control System Toolbox),
Anticipated Student Learning
Objectives
Upon successful
completion of this course, the student will have a basic
understanding of the Principles, Issues, and Test Methods
related to modern FCS’s. He/she will:
Be familiar with and understand
1. Linear control
system principles.
2. Modern FCS handling qualities issues.
3. Test Methods (Analysis and Evaluation)
4. Conduct of Appropriate Evaluation Tasks for aircraft with
modern, higher-order, FCS’s.
Know
5. The basic principles underlying modern FCS’s and the test
methods used to evaluate aircraft with moderm, complex FCS's.
Sequence of Instruction
Overview/ Introduction
Basic Building Blocks (MATLAB Intro)
Block diagrams
Analysis Tools/ Stability Criteria
Augmentation Effects
Special MFCS Features
Handling Qualities Issues
Evaluation Methods/ Innovations
Intro to Variable Stability Ground Simulator (VSGS)
VSGS Mini-Project
Review of In-Flight Simulators
Oral (1) and Written (1) Exams |
Instructional Methodology
Lectures, Solutions/ Examples using MATLAB,
Mini-Project on VSGS
Process of Evaluation
Oral Report of Mini-Project
Oral (1), Written Exams (1)
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