Aeroservoelastic Predictive Analysis Capability

Modern flight control systems (FCSs) augment aircraft dynamics so the pilot can more effectively accomplish complex missions. These handling and performance benefits typically use high gain control systems that can result in adverse aeroservoelastic (ASE) interactions. Modeling and simulation tools are available that combine elastic and aero dynamics, respectively with thousands and millions of degrees of freedom. Phase I work has demonstrated the feasibility of including a FCS and actuator models as part of the high fidelity simulation. The combined tool will more reliably predict adverse ASE interactions and can be used by the Air Force to improve flight-testing near envelope boundaries. Furthermore, a reduced order model (ROM) can be obtained of the aero dynamics for use in control system design and faster simulation. Software tools will be developed to implement combined elastic, aero, and FCS models, to create ROMs throughout a flight envelope, and for high fidelity maneuvers typical of a flight test. A fighter aircraft and its FCS will be used as an example problem, with sufficient fidelity to command aggressive maneuvers at a flight condition known to have limit cycle oscillations. A full envelope FCS design will be conducted with aerodynamics computed using the combined model.