What are the best practices to simulate aircraft control systems using MATLAB/Simulink?

1 Choose the right model

The first step to simulate an aircraft control system is to choose the right mathematical model that represents the dynamics of the system. Depending on the complexity and accuracy you need, you can use different models, such as linear, nonlinear, or hybrid models. Linear models are simpler and easier to analyze, but they may not capture the nonlinear effects that occur in real systems, such as aerodynamic stall, saturation, or hysteresis. Nonlinear models are more realistic and can handle these effects, but they are more difficult to solve and require more computational resources. Hybrid models combine linear and nonlinear elements to balance the trade-off between simplicity and realism.

2 Use standard libraries

One of the advantages of MATLAB/Simulink is that it provides a rich set of standard libraries that contain predefined blocks, functions, and components that you can use to build your aircraft control system model. For example, you can use the Aerospace Blockset to access models of aerodynamics, flight instruments, sensors, actuators, and more. You can also use the Control System Toolbox to design and analyze controllers, filters, compensators, and observers. Using standard libraries can save you time and effort, as well as ensure consistency and compatibility with other tools and platforms.

3 Validate and verify your model

After you have built your model, you need to validate and verify that it behaves as expected and meets the specifications and requirements of your system. Validation means checking that your model matches the real system or the reference data, while verification means checking that your model is free of errors, bugs, or inconsistencies. You can use various methods and tools to perform validation and verification, such as simulation, testing, debugging, code generation, and formal methods. MATLAB/Simulink offers many features and functions that can help you with these tasks, such as the Simulink Verification and Validation Toolbox, the Simulink Test Toolbox, the Simulink Design Verifier, and the Simulink Code Inspector.