Using Flight Simulation for Flight Dynamics and Control Education Enhancement

The use of flight simulation technologies at West Virginia University to enhance the aerospace engineering curriculum is presented in this paper. Flight simulation technologies of different levels of complexity are integrated within an undergraduate dedicated course with the broader objective of supporting courses in flight dynamics, controls, aerodynamics, and aircraft design. Students are introduced to the development and use of simulation tools starting with simplified linear and non-linear models, continuing with PC-based simulation packages with high accuracy aerodynamic models and advanced graphics, and ending with a six degrees-of-freedom motion based flight simulator. These technologies accomplish their educational role in two primary ways. First, they provide illustration for the general architecture of a flight simulation model, operation, and integration of individual components. Second, they are used to generate flight data to analyze the impact on aircraft performance and handling qualities of various aircraft design parameters. Specifically, in using these simulation technologies, the students have the opportunity to take on all three major roles related to producing and analyzing flight test data: the pilot, the test engineer, and the handling qualities/performance engineer. This comprehensive perspective has shown to be a positive factor in enhancing the learning process and improving academic performance. In particular, the introduction of the motion based flight simulator has produced positive effects on student motivation, class attendance, and participation. The simulation technologies are typically used to perform analyzes of handling qualities sensitivity to aircraft design parameters. The methodologies are briefly outlined in this paper and illustrated with simulation results.