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6 Degrees of Freedom Modelling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicles
Presenter: Dr Peter Zipfel, University of Florida
Dates/Venues: 15-16 October 2009 in Melbourne
19-20 October 2009 in Adelaide
Registration forms:    Melbourne Course
Adelaide Course

About this Course

As modeling and simulation (M&S) is penetrating the aerospace sciences at all levels, this two-day course will introduce you to the difficult subject of modeling aerospace vehicles in six degrees of freedom (6 DoF). Starting with the modern approach of tensors, the equations of motion are derived and, after introducing coordinate systems, they are expressed in matrices for compact computer programming. Aircraft and missile prototypes will exemplify 6 DoF aerodynamic modeling, rocket and turbojet propulsion, actuating systems, autopilots, guidance, and seekers. These subsystems will be integrated step by step into full-up simulations. For demonstrations, typical fly-out trajectories will be run and projected on the screen. The provided source code and plotting programs lets you duplicate the trajectories on your PC (requires FORTRAN or C++ compiler). With the supplied textbook "Modeling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics" and the prototype simulations you can build your own 6 DoF aerospace simulations.

Who Should Attend

This course is valuable for engineers tasked to employ, modify or develop detailed aerospace vehicle simulations and to conduct performance evaluations. Some familiarity with vehicle dynamics and control is assumed, but no prior knowledge of simulations is required.

Key Topics

  • Introduction to modeling with tensors
  • Kinematics and dynamics of 6 DoF aerospace vehicles
  • Integration of aircraft and missile subsystems: Aerodynamics, propulsion, actuators, autopilots, guidance, seekers and navigation
  • Demonstration of aircraft and missile 6DoF simulations in FORTRAN and C++
  • Instructions for building your own 6 DoF simulations

Course Outline

  • Concepts in Modeling with Tensors: Definitions, the M&S pyramid;
  • Matrices, Vectors and Tensors: Invariant modeling with tensors; Definition of frames and coordinate systems
  • Coordinate Systems: Heliocentric, inertial, geographic coordinate systems; Body, wind and flight path coordinate systems
  • Kinematics of Flight Mechanics: Rational time derivative; Euler transformation
  • Equations of Motion of Aircraft and Missiles: Newton’s translational equations; Euler’s attitude equations;
  • Aerodynamics of Aircraft and Missiles: Missile aerodynamics in aero-ballistic coordinates; Aircraft dynamics in body coordinates;
  • Propulsion: Rocket, turbojet and combined cycle propulsion;
  • Autopilots for Aircraft and Missiles: Roll and heading autopilots; Altitude autopilot; Acceleration autopilots;
  • Seekers for Missiles: Radar and IR sensors;
  • Guidance and Navigation: Line guidance, proportional navigation; Optimal guidance laws;
  • Full-up Aircraft Simulation in FORTRAN and C++.
  • Full-up Missile Simulation in FORTRAN and C++.

Conduct of Course

  • Two day course is composed of twelve modules;
  • Each module consists of one hour lecture and computer demonstrations
  • Participants may bring an IBM compatible laptop with Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 or 2008 installed (free download) or Visual FORTRAN 6.1 or later (currently sold by Intel). Computers may be used to duplicate instructor’s presentations, but time does not permit detailed hands-on instructions.
  • Instructor supplies all simulation and plotting software on CD-ROM;
  • Textbook “Modeling and Simulation of Aerospace Vehicle Dynamics”, AIAA 2007 is provided for each participant.

For further information please contact:
Anne-Marie Eliseo
Industry Education Manager
phone: +61-8-8302-3928
email: industryeducation@nicta.com.au

NICTA is able to deliver in-house training.