Parameters design for feel system of aircraft active inceptor controller

Abstract

To provide the pilot with feedback on flight states, aircraft active inceptor controllers deliver appropriate tactile feedback through the feel system. Current research on the feel system often relies on conventional models, with limited analysis of its unique characteristics. Investigating the dynamic properties of the feel system and their impact on flying quality can inform the parameters design of the feel system. In this paper, we designed various feel system parameters with different natural frequencies and damping ratios and selected three typical aircraft dynamic models. A human-vehicle closed-loop system model is established, including the pilot model, feel system model, and aircraft dynamic model. Combining different flying quality criteria, including bandwidth criterion, Neal-Smith criterion, and Open-Loop Onset-Point (OLOP) criterion, the flying qualities of Type I and Type II pilot-induced oscillations (PIO) are evaluated separately. The influence of aircraft configuration, feel system natural frequency and damping ratio on flying quality is explored. Finally, design recommendations for the feel system are proposed, aiming to reduce the adverse aircraft pilot coupling and improve flying quality.