A ROLE FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

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A ROLE FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION IN ENGINEERING
EDUCATION
Dr Mark D White, Professor Gareth D
Padfield Flight Science Technology Research
Group The University of Liverpool
U.K. www.flightlab.liv.ac.uk EE2006 Liverpool
July 24th - 26th 2006
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Challenges faced by Aerospace Engineering Degree
Programmes
To produce capable graduates for the Aerospace
Industry
Achieved in this case by the use of Flight
Simulation
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Key Components for Simulation Active Learning
Environment
Key ingredient challenging problem based
learning (PBL) modules
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High Fidelity Simulation Environment - HELIFLIGHT

• 6-axis motion cueing
• 6 visual channels
• 4-axis dynamic control loading
• FLIGHTLAB modelling environment selective
  fidelity, re-configurable flight models
• PilotStation real time interface for piloted
  simulation
• Available for students to test new aircraft
  designs, modifications, control and display
  concepts
• Utilised in 4 u/g Aerospace Engineering modules

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Low Cost Simulation Environments

• X-Pit Simulator
• Uses X-Plane Software, Matlab/Simulink
• Developed in-house
• Fixed base, 2 Visual channels
• Networked to HELIFLIGHT

• Desktop Simulation
• Flybox or joystick to drive FLIGHTLAB,
  Matlab/Simulink models
• Accessible to a larger number of students
• Integrated readily into various degree modules

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Simulation Modelling Software
FLIGHTLAB
AeroSim Blockset Cessna 172 Model

• GSCOPE
• component-level editor
• FLME- model editor
• develop models from higher level primitives
• selective fidelity
• Xanalysis
• nonlinear analysis
• linearisation, stability
• handling qualities
• control system design

Complex systems can be designed and analysed
offline and implemented quickly online allowing
rapid prototyping of design solutions
Generic rotorcraft model
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Simulator Utilisation
Undergraduate teaching and research and schools
activities account for 1/3 of simulator
utilisation
Increased demand for simulator utilisation
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Undergraduate Simulator Activities
Final Year Research Projects (Yr3 and 4)
Flight Awareness (Yr1) Hands on experience of
general aircraft handling, take-off, circuits,
approach landing, stall, spin
Rotorcraft Flight (Yr3) Vertical and roll axis
response of UH-60 helicopter, lab class with test
pilot
Flight Control Systems (Yr3) Design state
feedback controller and proportional feedback
controller for an unstable aircraft, evaluated in
HELIFLIGHT by students flying their designs
Simulator environment provides vehicle for
knowledge acquisition
Flight Handling Qualities (Yr4) Problem Based
Learning Module
HEADSTART Yr 12 Schools Activity
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Flight Handling Qualities (FHQ) A Problem Based
Learning Module

• Goal is to identify HQ deficiencies and fix them
• Teams working on different aircraft with
  different role
• interactive lectures on HQ theory and practice
• pbl surgeries
• personal learning journal,
• Knowledge Skills, Intellectual abilities,
  practical transferable skills
• Technical leaflets, meeting notes
• team building exercises
• before and after simulation trials with
  visiting test pilots
• team report and presentations to customer group
  (QinetiQ staff)
• Brings together material from a large numbers of
  modules taken over the 4 years

Module Research Aircraft
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FHQ Practical Example Wright Flyer Stability
Need Stability, brainstorm solutions
Select Idea Changes to wing
Design Determine optimum section
YES
NO
Success in Design?
Implement Offline Use software to see if
stability is improved
SUCCESS! (stable)
Implement on Simulator
YES
NO
FAILURE (aircraft cannot pull out of turn)
Improved?
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FHQ Practical Example Wright Flyer Stability
Need Stability, brainstorm solutions
Select Idea Changes to wing
Design Determine optimum section
YES
NO
Success in Design?
Implement Offline Use software to see if
stability is improved
SUCCESS! (stable)
Implement on Simulator
YES
NO
Improved?
FAILURE (unstable)
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CDIO vs. Conventional Module
More engaging
In touch with reality
Increased responsibility
Student feedback
Visible end product
Increased feedback
Increased skills development
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Undergraduate Research Building on Industrially
Relevant Projects (below)
Allows students to engage with real-world
problems
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Schools Activities - HEADSTART
PBL modules can be readily adapted for schools
activities

• HEADSTART Part of the Royal Academy of
  Engineerings Best Programme
• Summer school for Year 12 students
• Aims
• Demonstrate what science and engineering is about
• To experience undergraduate life prior to
  applying to UCAS
• Insight into future careers
• Aerospace Focus Programme at Liverpool based on
  Wright 1903 Flyer simulations

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HEADSTART - Programme

• Handling Qualities Improvements to Wright 1903
  Flyer
• 40 students working in teams
• Laboratory exercises
• Wind tunnel testing
• Simulation Modelling
• Control
• Simulator Sessions
• Test pilot for evaluation of initial and upgraded
  model
• Design of Mission Task Elements
• Modelling implementation
• Presentation
• To other students and members of Academic staff
• Analysis of deficiencies
• Effect of modifications

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HEADSTART Results
Sometimes all does not go to plan..
..but debriefing with a Test Pilot gives
students the opportunity to re-evaluate their
work and learn from their mistakes
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HEADSTART Results
Canard moved
Winglets

• Handling Qualities deficiencies identified
• Modifications improved Handling Qualities Ratings
• By course end, students tackled problems they did
  not think they were are able to do at the
  beginning of the course
• 88 of students indicated Headstart confirmed
  their choice for studying Engineering at
  University
• 90 of students would include UoL as a UCAS choice

Engine Moved
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Summary Future Developments

• Students find the PBL experience more engaging
  than traditional modules and allows them to
  develop more both intellectually and personally
• Modules can be readily adapted for different
  audiences
• Number of undergraduate modules with PBL flight
  simulation content will continue to grow
• Development of new PBL modules
• Expand and enhance current simulation facilities
• Consolidation of knowledge acquisition from a
  wider range of modules