Automated Numerical Testing of Models for a Helicopter Simulation Framework

Abstract

The Versatile Aeromechanic Simulation Tool (VAST) performs aeromechanic simulations by interconnecting single isolated state-space models (first order ordinary differential equations) to form complex coupled systems. These systems are solved by applying numerical methods. To ensure the stability of these methods and achieve reasonable results, all models must meet certain conditions such as determinism. However, in coupled systems of multiple models, it is difficult to find the root cause of errors. The aim of this work is to design and implement an extensible test concept and validate its feasibility to solve this problem. The tests are applied to individual models at arbitrary times during a simulation, detached from the coupled system. Two different tests are implemented to evaluate this concept. The execution of the tests on VAST models showed faulty implementations of two models. This shows that the new test concept can help to detect typical errors in model implementations. Further tests can be developed on this foundation. A simple and clearly defined Interface makes the implementation of new tests straightforward.