What are the best ways to test and validate an aircraft's control system using simulation tools?

2 Define the simulation model

The simulation model is the representation of the aircraft and its control system in the simulation tool. It consists of the equations of motion, the aerodynamic coefficients, the actuator dynamics, the sensor models, the control laws, and the disturbance models. The simulation model should capture the essential features and characteristics of the real system, while also being simple and efficient enough to run on a computer. You can use empirical, analytical, or numerical methods to derive or estimate the parameters of the simulation model, or use existing data from wind tunnel tests, flight tests, or literature.

3 Perform the simulation tests

The simulation tests are the experiments that you conduct on the simulation model to test and validate its performance and behavior. You can design different types of simulation tests, such as: open-loop tests, where you apply a fixed or variable input to the system and observe the output; closed-loop tests, where you activate the control system and monitor its response to disturbances or commands; sensitivity tests, where you vary the parameters or conditions of the system and measure the changes in the output; and fault tests, where you introduce failures or errors in the system and evaluate its robustness and recovery.

4 Analyze the simulation results

The simulation results are the data that you collect from the simulation tests, such as: time histories, frequency responses, stability margins, error metrics, and performance indicators. You can use various methods and tools to analyze the simulation results, such as: plots, graphs, tables, statistics, indicators, and animations. The analysis should help you to assess the quality and validity of the simulation model, the performance and behavior of the control system, and the compliance with the design specifications and requirements. You can also use the analysis to identify and diagnose any problems or issues in the system, and to suggest and implement improvements or modifications.

5 Compare with real data

The ultimate goal of testing and validating an aircraft's control system using simulation tools is to ensure that it matches the real system as closely as possible. Therefore, it is important to compare the simulation results with real data from actual flight tests, experiments, or operations. You can use various methods and criteria to compare the simulation results with real data, such as: correlation coefficients, error norms, goodness-of-fit tests, and confidence intervals. The comparison should help you to verify and validate the accuracy and fidelity of the simulation model, the effectiveness and reliability of the control system, and the suitability and feasibility of the design.

6 Document and report

The final step of testing and validating an aircraft's control system using simulation tools is to document and report your findings and conclusions. You should prepare a clear and comprehensive report that summarizes and explains the objectives, methods, results, and analysis of your simulation tests, as well as the comparison with real data. You should also include any limitations, assumptions, uncertainties, and recommendations that you encountered or made during the process. The report should be well-structured, well-written, and well-referenced, and follow the standards and guidelines of your organization, industry, or field.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?