Journal of Aeronautics & Aerospace Engineering
Open Access

Abstract

Optimization of Aircraft Pitch Trim Rate of Movement Using Model Based Approach and Improving the Software Algorithm

Rathinakumar V, Manju Nanda and Jayanthi J

In safety critical systems such as aerospace, it becomes more important since the non-performance of the system as per the requirement may lead to a catastrophe. Also, the work-around to modify the design as per the requirements, generate code, obtain safety clearance from the authorized agency before porting to the target is very time consuming and a cumbersome approach. In this paper, we propose a model-based approach to improve the performance of the software algorithm and optimize the pitch trim movement before porting the code to the target. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated with a case study of aerospacedomain. The approach encompasses the aircraft sub-system dynamics and the software which operates the sub-system. The analysis of the functionality with performance provides a high level of confidence in the software that is to be ported on to the target. The test crew can provide feedback on the overall functionality and performance of the software at the model-level. The proposed approach not only increases the efficacy of the process but also provides higher safety assurance earlier in the process. Pitch-trim is a critical sub-system of the aircraft which is modeled and the improved software algorithm is incorporated into the model for analyzing the overall functionality and performance of the sub-system. Based on the model simulation and analysis result, the changes in the algorithm were made and finally ported onto the target. The performance and functionality of the pitch-trim sub-system on the aircraft was as per the simulation analysis results indicating the correctness of the model and the proposed approach.