Model Integration Workflow for Keeping Models up to Date in a Research Simulator

Abstract

Flight simulators can be categorised as research simulators, engineering simulators and training simulators. Research simulators can be introduced as both test beds for flight simulator research and computational tools for flight systems and human factors research. While engineering simulators are utilised for systems development, training simulators are used for flight training. The models that are used in training simulators and also in engineering simulators are more mature and stable. On the other hand, the models in research simulators are subject to a constant change. While Model Based Design and Software Development has brought us agile model development workflows, so that modellers can update their models more easily, it came up with some serious systems integration and testing problems, so systems developers need to establish mechanisms to tackle frequent behaviour and interface changes. DLR’s Institute of Flight Systems (FT) has a long tradition in flight research and simulation of various flight vehicles. Currently a modern research simulator facility is being operated at DLR Braunschweig –AVES (Air Vehicle Simulator). AVES is designed such that interchangeable cockpits of rotorcraft (EC135) and airplanes (A320) can be operated on motion and fixed-base platforms according to the particular needs. 2Simulate is the enabling real-time simulation infrastructure of the AVES. This paper presents 2Simulate model integration workflow based on Mathwork’s Simulink Coder.