Use of an engineering flight simulator in the teaching of flight mechanics and dynamics and aircraft design

摘要

The use and application of an engineering flight simulator that has been designed specifically as a versatile and practical hands-on aid to the teaching of flight mechanics and dynamics and aircraft design on university and college academic courses in aeronautical engineering is described. Examples are provided of student exercises and activities to suit the particular needs of the academic course. In this paper, three basic levels are described, the first being in which a student 'flies' a standard aircraft model to experience personally the effect of the controls and general handling characteristics in the air, on the ground and during take-off and landing. The next level provides a valuable adjunct to many aspects of flight dynamics, particularly static and dynamic stability. Dynamic flight modes such as phugoids, short period oscillations and Dutch rolls can be initiated by the student 'in flight' with the aircraft motion plotted for later examination. The effect of changes of key parameters such as the centre of mass position can be readily demonstrated and analysed. The third level provides the facility to flight test aircraft designed by student groups. Geometric, aerodynamic, mechanical, engine and system parameters that apply to the new design are used to model the aircraft on the simulator. Any desired aspect of the handling behaviour and performance of the aircraft can then be explored by all or any in the student group, just as one would with a real aircraft, starting with the takeoff, through the climb-out into level and manoeuvring flight, and finally approach and landing. The successful and unsatisfactory aspects of a particular design are highlighted, and provide indications where improvements need to be made. An annual aircraft design competition based on the simulator between teams of students from UK institutions and more recently from the USA discovers the best designed aircraft in terms of handling qualities, as assessed by professional test pilots, providing an opportunity not generally available within a teaching establishment. Finally, an indication of the wider scope of application of the family of simulators is provided, including the facility for research.