A variational technique for smoothing flight-test and accident dataThe problem of determining aircraft motions along a trajectory is solved using a variational algorithm that generates unmeasured states and forcing functions, and estimates instrument bias and scale-factor errors. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear fixed-interval smoothing problem, and is solved as a sequence of linear two-point boundary value problems, using a sweep method. The algorithm has been implemented for use in flight-test and accident analysis. Aircraft motions are assumed to be governed by a six-degree-of-freedom kinematic model; forcing functions consist of body accelerations and winds, and the measurement model includes aerodynamic and radar data. Examples of the determination of aircraft motions from typical flight-test and accident data are presented.
Document ID
19800061724
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Bach, R. E., Jr. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)