High-Frequency Motion Simulation for Hardware-In-The-Loop Testing

The design of a High Frequency Motion Simulators (HFMS) is required to satisfy the Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) testing objectives for current defensive missile systems. This development will provide a unique 6-DOF-motion simulator currently not availableand extend the capabilities of current Flight Motion Simulators (FMS). The introduction of a unique on-cascaded gimbal configuration offers the ability to extend the closed loop frequ4ncy response of this motion simulator to the 100 Hz region. CurrentFMS are limited to <50Hz frequency response. This new concept no only provides the three angular degrees of freedom, but also provides three degrees of translation necessary to simulate airframe vibration. The motion base in based on a variant of ahexapod configuration. Unique pivots are utilized to provide low friction coupling between the platform and actuators. The high modal frequency is achieved by using graphite epoxy composite for the platform structure and actuator struts. Amulti-variable feedback system, which used the actuator position and platform inertial accelerations, provides a control system directly related to the airframe coordinate frame. The system provides control of the three angular rotations and three lineardisplacements, each control loop exhibiting a 1000 Hz bandwidth.