Non-linear simulation of controller for longitudinal control augmentation system of F-16 using numerical approach

Abstract

The non-linear simulation of controller for automatic flight control system is an essential part of the complete control design process. After using the linear approach in the design and simulation of the controller (control laws), it is important to simulate the controller on the non-linear real aircraft model. This simulation allows us to evaluate its functional performance during the real-time flight on the computer. The results of that process are used to determine whether the designed controller meets the design requirement and objective or not. The paper deals with application of numerical method fourth-order Runge–Kutta to simulate the function of the longitudinal-CAS controller that is embedded into the non-linear, six degree of freedom model of fighter F-16. A computer program is made to implement the numerical approach and to illustrate the result of that simulation on the computer.