Future research

Modeling and Simulation of UAV

The process of modeling and simulation of UAVs flight dynamics is crucial for analyzing UAVs performance/stability characteristics and determining/validating their flight-control parameters. Typically, physics-based modeling and system identification are the most common approaches used for molding UAVs flight dynamics. Although physic-based simulation models provide estimates of UAV response prior to first flight, such approach is very labor intensive. This work presents a rapid and efficient procedure that exploits physics-based modeling approach for simulating the nonlinear six degrees-of-freedom flight dynamics of a tailless fixed-wing UAV. The modeling process follows a modular fashion where commercial of-the-shelf software, tools, and sensors are employed to build the necessary sub-models (i.e., geometric, mass-inertia, aerodynamic, propulsion, and actuator). Then, all sub-models are integrated in a simulation environment (i.e., Simulink) to allow predicting the UAV dynamic response that results from given control inputs. The complete flight dynamic model will be verified for correct operation via comparing simulated trim and natural flight modes with calculated analytical results. Finally, specific flight test will be performed to validate the developed simulation model for the case study UAV. The current work aims to facilitate the development, verification, and validation of accurate/reasonable physics-based simulation models of UAVs for flight mechanics characterization and control law tuning.