Physics Based Parametric Modeling and Simulation Applications to Aircraft System Design
PRESENTED BY:
Dr. Armand J. Chaput, Director, Air System Laboratory
Jorge Alvarez, Masters Student, Department of Aerospace Engineering and
Engineering Mechanics
Physics based parametric modeling and simulation integrates sets of physics and
geometry based subsystem models into a physical model representation of an
overall system. Each model is designed to capture the key physical effects of
the design and technology variables that drive the performance of the subsystem.
Unlike most modeling and simulation approaches, parametric models are defined
almost entirely by multivariable relationships, many of which are dimensionless.
The result is a flexible parametric model of a system that can properly capture
physical scaling relationships and converge to a single design that uniquely
meets specified user requirements. The approach eliminates the need for a
traditional drawing as a starting point for design except for a top-level vision
of the concept and few variables needed as iteration seed values. Parametric
system models can be used directly for multi-variable design analysis and
optimization without having to rely on surrogate (e.g. response surface) methods
of solution.
The University of Texas Rapid Air System Concept Exploration Environment (RASCE)
is a physics-based, conceptual level, air system parametric design and analysis
modeling and simulation (M&S) system. It was developed as an educational tool to
support student exploration of a wide range of unmanned air system (UAS) design
and operational concepts during a 15 week semester. RASCE was programmed in
Excel to run in real time on a standard laptop and provide students with physics
based feedback on the impacts of their design decisions. It allows students to
explore a variety of configuration options and/or to conduct trade studies
during a typical 50 minute class session.
As a result of a generous academic development grant for 2008-2009, RASCE has
been upgraded to run in a MatLab and SimuLink environment. MatLab is more
familiar to ASE/EM students and allows RASCE to be linked with other MatLab
design and analysis tools in the Air System Laboratory (ASL). The upgrade also
supports a long term ASL objective of enabling students to not only quickly
generate viable conceptual level air system concept designs but to also “fly”
them in a simulated real time mission environment.
RASCE is a mature M&S system, having been used on over 200 student design
projects since its introduction in 2003. It also has been applied outside the
classroom to include use in concept development and technology trades for the
USAF Scientific Advisory Board Study, “Effects, Capabilities, and Technologies -
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Perspective”. It is currently being used to quantify
system level impacts of aerodynamic and propulsion design and technology options
for a variety of small unmanned air systems.
View the presentation
If you plan on attending this seminar please contact Terri Lavorgna or call the Academic Affairs Office at 471-7995 at least one day before the seminar.