The ability to automatically update flight dynamics models as aircraft concepts change was a primary goal of my work. To achieve this, I used the DAVE-ML FDM toolset to automatically generate and update Simulink model blocks within a full 6-DOF flight simulator. The simulation workflow shown in the figure to the right demonstrates the automated process of generating aerodynamic data, updating flight dynamics models, and running trade space analyses.

These methods were used to demonstrate takeoff and landing estimates for an example twin-engine light transport aircraft. Simulation results can be used to analyze takeoff distances (distance to 50 ft obstacle clearance), landing distance, sink rate at touch down, and climb performance under nominal and critical loss of thrust conditions.

The trim methods within the simulation toolset can be used to evaluate performance under a critical loss of thrust. These solutions are useful in sizing the control surfaces of an aircraft.