High Performance Modeling and Control for Flying Platforms

Modelling, simulation and control of the flying robots are handled with the standard tools available at the institute. The tools are widely verified in industrial applications and flight tested on actual passenger aircraft. The goal within the flying robots research is to apply these tools to a very different aircraft class.
High fidelity simulation models can be derived automatically from the geometrical shape of the aircraft or using sophisticated model identification algorithms. The modular modelling approach is built on the Modelica Flight Dynamics Library technology and provides fast and easily deployable simulation models.
The models also include elastic effects, which is particularly useful for the solar sailplane Elhaspa. It allows for analysis of oscillatory effects, flutter and response to dynamic inputs. In these areas, the institute works in tight cooperation with other institutes of the DLR.
Primary flight control laws with direct influence on the aircraft physics are in the focus of research as well as secondary flight control laws, which e.g. reduce loads on the aircraft structure and increase payload stability.
For more in-depth information, visit the website of the flight control group: http://www.dlr.de/rm/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-3836/