the use of flight simulation to analyze aircraft design and performance douglas l.wilson – chief...

The Use of Flight Simulation The Use of Flight Simulation to Analyze Aircraft Design to Analyze Aircraft Design

and Performanceand Performance

Douglas L .Wilson – Chief Test PilotDouglas L .Wilson – Chief Test PilotAbraham Gutierrez – Chief Systems EngineerAbraham Gutierrez – Chief Systems Engineer

Anh Huy Nguyen – Chief Flight EngineerAnh Huy Nguyen – Chief Flight Engineer

Advisor – Basil PhilipAdvisor – Basil PhilipSponsor: Dr. Ron O. StearmanSponsor: Dr. Ron O. Stearman

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline Outline Outline -Abraham Gutierrez-Abraham Gutierrez Mooney 305Mooney 305 Mooney FindingsMooney Findings Mooney SummaryMooney Summary

-Anh Huy Nguyen-Anh Huy Nguyen Cessna 172 HCessna 172 H Cessna 172 H BackgroundCessna 172 H Background Cessna 172 H Flight TestCessna 172 H Flight Test

-Douglas Wilson-Douglas Wilson Cessna 172 HCessna 172 H Cessna 172 FindingsCessna 172 Findings Cessna SummaryCessna Summary Entire Project OverviewEntire Project Overview

Abraham GutierrezAbraham Gutierrez Anh Huy Nguyen Douglas Wilson Anh Huy Nguyen Douglas Wilson Mooney Mooney Cessna CessnaCessna Cessna

ObjectiveObjective DesignDesign

- X-Plane Software- X-Plane Software

- Flight SimulatorFlight Simulator

InvestigationInvestigation

- Mooney 305-1998 (Phugoid mode)- Mooney 305-1998 (Phugoid mode)

- Cessna 172H-2000 (Flaps Settings)- Cessna 172H-2000 (Flaps Settings)

ObjectiveObjective ApproachApproach

Mooney 305 Mooney 305 BackgroundBackground

Phugoid ModePhugoid Mode

SummarySummary


ApproachApproach Mooney 305Mooney 305-Research Crash and Investigation Reports

-Build a Mooney 305 (X-plane)

-Flight Simulation Data vs Radar Data (Phugoid Mode)

Cessna 172 HCessna 172 H-Build a Cessna 172H (X-plane)-Build a Cessna 172H (X-plane)

-Validation of the Flight Simulator-Validation of the Flight Simulator

-Climbing Trends-Climbing Trends




SummarySummary


Mooney 305 BackgroundMooney 305 Background

AccidentAccident-Bakersfield Municipal Airport-Bakersfield Municipal Airport

-Phugoid Mode-Phugoid Mode

InvestigationInvestigation-Several Changes-Several Changes

-Lack of Testing-Lack of Testing




SummarySummary


Mooney 305 BackgroundMooney 305 Background

ModificationModification Mooney Mooney M20kM20k

MooneyMooney

305305HorsepowerHorsepower 210 HP210 HP 305 HP305 HP

PropellerPropeller 2 blade2 blade 3 blade3 bladeMax WeightMax Weight 2900 lbs2900 lbs 3200 lbs3200 lbs

Empty WeightEmpty Weight 1860 lbs1860 lbs 2068 lbs2068 lbsStall SpeedStall Speed 60 kts60 kts 61 kts61 kts




SummarySummary


Phugoid ModePhugoid Mode OscillationsOscillations

Long periodLong period

Maximum speedMaximum speed

Minimum speedMinimum speed

-Long Period (phugod mode)-Long Period (phugod mode)

Change InChange In AltitudeAltitude

Change InChange In AltitudeAltitude

Motion Occurs at Nearly Constant Speed

-Short Period (Several Seconds)-Short Period (Several Seconds)



Phugoid Phugoid ModeMode

SummarySummary


Phugoid Mathematical AnalysisPhugoid Mathematical Analysis Phugoid PeriodPhugoid Period

-T=.142*(2+a)^1/2*U-T=.142*(2+a)^1/2*Ua=aerodynamic characteristicsa=aerodynamic characteristicsU=true airspeedU=true airspeed

Phugoid Damping RatioPhugoid Damping Ratio

--ςς=(sqrt(2)/4)*Cd/Cl=(sqrt(2)/4)*Cd/ClCd=Coefficient of DragCd=Coefficient of DragCl=Coefficient of LiftCl=Coefficient of Lift




SummarySummary


Phugoid Mode FindingsPhugoid Mode Findings Radar FindingsRadar Findings

Altitude vs Time

0

2000

40006000

8000

10000

12000

1400016000

18000

20000

0:00:00 0:01:26 0:02:53 0:04:19 0:05:46

time (sec)

Alt

itu

de (

ft)




SummarySummary



Test FindingsTest Findings

Indicator Airspeed vs Time

0

50

100

150

200

250

0:00:00 0:00:43 0:01:26 0:02:10 0:02:53 0:03:36 0:04:19 0:05:02 0:05:46

Time (sec)

IA

S (kn

ots)

Series1

196 Vne

174 Vno

119 Va




SummarySummary


I n d i c a t o r A i r s p e e d v s T i m e

0

5 0

1 0 0

1 5 0

2 0 0

2 5 0

0 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 8 0 0 2 0 0 0

T i m e ( s e c )

In

di

ca

to

r

Ai

rs

pe

ed

(

kn

ot

s)


Test FindingsTest Findings

Vertical Speed Indicator vs Time

-6000

-5000

-4000

-3000

-2000

-1000

0

16:24:58 16:25:41 16:26:24 16:27:07 16:27:50 16:28:34 16:29:17 16:30:00 16:30:43

Time (sec)

VS

I (ft/m

in

)

Vertical Speed Indicator vs Time

-3000

-2500

-2000

-1500

-1000

-500

0

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Time (sec)

Verti

cal

Sp

eed

In

dcato

r(f

t/m

in)




SummarySummary


SummarySummary AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

-Create Mooney 305-Create Mooney 305

-Compare Radar Data with Simulator Data-Compare Radar Data with Simulator Data

Future WorkFuture Work

-Test the Mooney 305-Test the Mooney 305

-Work on the Autopilot-Work on the Autopilot




SummarySummary


Cessna 172 HCessna 172 H

TimelineTimeline

Weights and BalancesWeights and Balances


Real Flight TestsReal Flight Tests

SimulationSimulation

Abraham Gutierrez Abraham Gutierrez Anh Huy NguyenAnh Huy Nguyen Douglas Wilson Douglas Wilson Mooney Mooney CessnaCessna Cessna Cessna

Timeline of the Cessna 172H Timeline of the Cessna 172H CrashCrash

TimelineTimeline

Weights and Weights and BalancesBalances





Weights and BalancesWeights and Balances

Max Gross WeightMax Gross Weight 2300 lbs.2300 lbs.

Empty WeightEmpty Weight 1400 lbs.1400 lbs.

Full Fuel TanksFull Fuel Tanks 252 lbs.252 lbs.

PilotPilot 264 lbs.264 lbs.

Front PassengerFront Passenger 251 lbs.251 lbs.

Rear PassengerRear Passenger 120 lbs.120 lbs.

The aircraft was close to max weight.The aircraft was close to max weight.


TimelineTimeline





Cessna NTSB FindingsCessna NTSB Findings The airplane was found 300 yards southwest of the The airplane was found 300 yards southwest of the

end of runway 31end of runway 31 The engine and nose was found aft in the cabin areaThe engine and nose was found aft in the cabin area Chord-wise crush damage sustained aft to the wing Chord-wise crush damage sustained aft to the wing

forward spars forward spars Propeller blade bent and scratchedPropeller blade bent and scratched Left door torn from fuselageLeft door torn from fuselage Flap actuator was working properlyFlap actuator was working properly No mechanical malfunction to engine assemblyNo mechanical malfunction to engine assembly Wing flaps were set at 40 degrees (Manufacturer Wing flaps were set at 40 degrees (Manufacturer

recommended 0 degree settings for take-off)recommended 0 degree settings for take-off)


TimelineTimeline





Further InvestigationFurther Investigation

At impact the tachometer was At impact the tachometer was stuck at 1500 RPMstuck at 1500 RPM

If this was the correct engine If this was the correct engine output, the aircraft would not be output, the aircraft would not be able to maintain a climb attitude.able to maintain a climb attitude.


TimelineTimeline





Probable CausesProbable Causes

Pilot attempted a touch-and-Pilot attempted a touch-and-go landing and left the flaps go landing and left the flaps down at 40 degreesdown at 40 degrees

Engine malfunction during Engine malfunction during take-off that resulted in a take-off that resulted in a partial or total power losspartial or total power loss


TimelineTimeline





Real Flight Testing (1)Real Flight Testing (1) Test SP4-E101Test SP4-E101

Georgetown, TX Georgetown, TX February 22, 2004February 22, 2004 Georgetown Municipal Airport (KGTU)Georgetown Municipal Airport (KGTU)

Participants: Stearman, Wilson, WeaverParticipants: Stearman, Wilson, Weaver

Cessna 739ZYCessna 739ZY 172 N model172 N model 160 HP (O-320 engine)160 HP (O-320 engine)

Tests performedTests performed 2 weights2 weights 2 altitudes (2000 ft and 3000 ft)2 altitudes (2000 ft and 3000 ft) 5 flap settings5 flap settings


TimelineTimeline





Weights for Test SP4-E101Weights for Test SP4-E101


Cessna 739ZY Weight 1 (lbs) Weight 2 (lbs)

A/C empty weight 1469.1 1469.1

Fuel Capacity (40 gal) 240.0 132

Passengers / gear 400.0 615

Total test weight 2109.1 2216.1

TimelineTimeline

Weights andWeights andBalancesBalances




Real Flight Testing (2)Real Flight Testing (2) Test SP4-D101Test SP4-D101

San Antonio, TX San Antonio, TX April 3, 2004April 3, 2004 Stinson Airport (KSSF)Stinson Airport (KSSF)

Participants: Wilson, Nguyen, Gutierrez, McGheeParticipants: Wilson, Nguyen, Gutierrez, McGhee

Cessna 2632LCessna 2632L 172 H model172 H model 145 HP (O-300D engine)145 HP (O-300D engine) Climb PropClimb Prop



TimelineTimeline





Weights for Test SP4-D101Weights for Test SP4-D101


Cessna 2632L Weight 1 (lbs) Weight 2 (lbs)


Fuel Capacity ( 38 gal) 228.0 174


Total test weight 2101.0 2236

TimelineTimeline





Real Flight Testing (3)Real Flight Testing (3) Test SP4-D102Test SP4-D102

Houston, TX Houston, TX April 27, 2004April 27, 2004 Weiser Air Park (KEYQ)Weiser Air Park (KEYQ)

Participants: Wilson, Nguyen, Gutierrez, WeaverParticipants: Wilson, Nguyen, Gutierrez, Weaver

Cessna 2320UCessna 2320U 172 H model172 H model 145 HP (O-300D engine)145 HP (O-300D engine) Cruise PropCruise Prop



TimelineTimeline





Weights for Test SP4-D102Weights for Test SP4-D102


Cessna 2320U Weight 1 (lbs) Weight 2 (lbs)


Fuel Capacity (38 gal) 228.0 228


Total test weight 2078.6 2258.6

TimelineTimeline





Aircraft ModificationsAircraft Modifications

PARTPART 172 SP 172 SP (N463QB)(N463QB)

172 SP 172 SP (N463QC)(N463QC)

172 H 172 H (N463QD)(N463QD)

172 N 172 N (N463QE)(N463QE)

FlapsFlaps 30 deg30 deg 40 deg40 deg 40 deg40 deg 40 deg40 deg

HorsepowerHorsepower 180 hp180 hp 180 hp180 hp 145 hp145 hp 160 hp160 hp

Fuel Fuel SystemSystem

Fuel Fuel InjectedInjected

Fuel Fuel InjectedInjected

CarburetorCarburetor CarburetorCarburetor


TimelineTimeline





Flight SimulationFlight SimulationVerification TestsVerification Tests

Performance tests to compare to Performance tests to compare to manufacturer and actual flight datamanufacturer and actual flight data

Repeat previous flight testsRepeat previous flight tests

Reconstruct accidentReconstruct accident Take-offs with 40 degrees of flaps at Take-offs with 40 degrees of flaps at

desired weightdesired weight


TimelineTimeline





Test Flight ResultsTest Flight Results

Abraham Gutierrez Anh Huy Nguyen Abraham Gutierrez Anh Huy Nguyen Douglas WilsonDouglas Wilson MooneyMooney CessnaCessna Cessna Cessna

Test ResultsTest Results

Projected FlightProjected Flight

Flight RecreationFlight Recreation

ConclusionsConclusions

Cost AnalysisCost Analysis

Time AnalysisTime Analysis

Future ProjectsFuture Projects

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Test Results - SimulationTest Results - SimulationTest ResultsTest Results









Projected Flight Projected Flight Test ResultsTest Results









Flaps Down RecreationFlaps Down Recreation


C-172H would need approximately 58 C-172H would need approximately 58 seconds to climb to 275 feetseconds to climb to 275 feet

If flaps were set at 40 degrees of If flaps were set at 40 degrees of flaps, aircraft could not have reached flaps, aircraft could not have reached altitudealtitude

Separate aircraft problemSeparate aircraft problem










Potential ProblemsPotential Problems

Conditions were adequate for Conditions were adequate for carburetor icing – decreased engine carburetor icing – decreased engine performanceperformance

Additional Engine FailureAdditional Engine Failure

Potential mechanical error – aircraft Potential mechanical error – aircraft had completed 100 hour inspection had completed 100 hour inspection the day before incidentthe day before incident











Aircraft Flight TestsAircraft Flight Tests Aircraft rental(~11 hr): $79/hr - $880Aircraft rental(~11 hr): $79/hr - $880 Instructor fee(~11 hr): $35/hr - $385Instructor fee(~11 hr): $35/hr - $385 Travel Expenses:Travel Expenses:

$500$500

Total expenses Total expenses ~ ~ $1765$1765










Time AnalysisTime Analysis Phase 1 – CompletedPhase 1 – Completed

Background investigations into both accidentsBackground investigations into both accidents Phugoid mode analysisPhugoid mode analysis A/C modifications made in flight simulatorsA/C modifications made in flight simulators

Phase 2A – CompletedPhase 2A – Completed Actual flight testing of Cessna A/CActual flight testing of Cessna A/C Added to validate flight simulator dataAdded to validate flight simulator data










Time AnalysisTime Analysis Phase 2B – CompletedPhase 2B – Completed

Flight Simulator TestingFlight Simulator Testing Validation phase Validation phase Accident RecreationAccident Recreation

Cessna 172 HCessna 172 H Mooney RocketMooney Rocket

Phase 3 – CompletedPhase 3 – Completed Analysis of flight dataAnalysis of flight data Final reports and recommendationsFinal reports and recommendations











Continue to analyze the Mooney Continue to analyze the Mooney Rocket Rocket

Additional C-172 testing to check Additional C-172 testing to check performance due to carb iceperformance due to carb ice

Expand the simulator testing to Expand the simulator testing to additional aircraftadditional aircraft Other General Aviation accidentsOther General Aviation accidents Commercial aircraftCommercial aircraft










AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments Wright Aviation in Georgetown, TXWright Aviation in Georgetown, TX

Bill Eldredge and staffBill Eldredge and staff Alan Weaver – Flight InstructorAlan Weaver – Flight Instructor

Check Six Aviation – San Antonio, TXCheck Six Aviation – San Antonio, TX Mario McGhee – Chief Flight InstructorMario McGhee – Chief Flight Instructor

Windsock Aviation – Cypress, TXWindsock Aviation – Cypress, TX Gary Ryan and staffGary Ryan and staff










AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments Chuck BarnettChuck Barnett

Dr. Ron O. StearmanDr. Ron O. Stearman

Basil PhilipBasil Philip

Marcus KrugerMarcus Kruger

Joshua FoxworthJoshua Foxworth

Jennifer LehmanJennifer Lehman










SummarySummary Mooney 305Mooney 305

Bakersfield, CA accidentBakersfield, CA accident Phugoid Mode Phugoid Mode

Cessna 172HCessna 172H Falcon Field AccidentFalcon Field Accident Flap settings and Engine ConcernsFlap settings and Engine Concerns

Flight TestingFlight Testing Real Flight testsReal Flight tests X-Plane Simulator testingX-Plane Simulator testing Successfully demonstrated simulator usefulnessSuccessfully demonstrated simulator usefulness


the use of flight simulation to analyze aircraft design and performance douglas l.wilson – chief...

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