Computer aided development of biomechanical pilot models

Abstract

In this paper the computer aided development of biomechanical pilot models for the prediction of roll ratcheting (RR) is described. At first the phenomenon of RR is characterized as an aircraft-pilot coupling problem. Existing biomechanical pilot models for the prediction of RR are presented. A computer aided procedure for the establishment of biomechanical pilot models is described by setting up an existing pilot model. The procedure is based on the application of a software package for multibody system calculations (SIMPACK) and a control system design software tool (MATLAB/SIMULINK). The first is used to determine the pilot model equations of motion and the latter is applied to estimate the model parameters as well as to conduct further evaluations. With the help of this procedure, deficiencies of the existing state-of-the-art biomechanical pilot model are shown. Due to these deficiencies new pilot models have been established and are assessed on the basis of the parameters identified. According to this assessment some pilot models suitable for further applications are selected and used to investigate a RR incident. In order to predict the RR potential, the stability of the aircraft-pilot loop, which contains a biomechanical pilot model and the augmented aircraft model to be investigated, is assessed.