Model-based design turns to aerospace

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 15, 2005

The Aerospace Blockset 2 builds on the foundation of Simulink and model-based design for aerospace vehicle modelling, simulation and visualisation.

The MathWorks has announced the availability of the Aerospace Blockset 2, which builds on the foundation of Simulink and model-based design for aerospace vehicle modelling, simulation and visualisation.

New features bring high-quality flight simulation graphics to the desktop, where modelling and simulation is more accessible and economical than design and test conducted in a lab.

Additionally, the new version provides off-the-shelf, drag-and-drop representations of aerospace components using standards-based reference models.

Consequently, engineers can use the Aerospace Blockset 2 to optimise vehicle subsystem configurations and rapidly perform subsequent trade-off studies earlier in the design stage.

Interfacing with FlightGear flight simulator software, new animation blocks in the Aerospace Blockset 2 enable users to visualise vehicle dynamics in a sophisticated 3-D simulation framework.

Engineers can now quickly evaluate and verify complex flight dynamics before committing to a final design by using Simulink for multidomain simulation and model-based design.

"The Aerospace Blockset has desktop visualisation capabilities that provide the ability to quickly analyse the response of an aerospace system, not only from a pilot's perspective, but also from a chase aircraft or ground observer", said Kevin Cunningham, Aerospace Engineer, NASA Langley Research Centre.

"The ability to present visual animations is particularly beneficial when complex multi-axis dynamic manoeuvres are being evaluated".

"Now, nonsubject matter experts are able to comprehend the results more effectively".

The Aerospace Blockset 2 also extends support for navigation and tracking applications.

Expanded modelling utilities, including transformations and equations of motion for world or earth-centred earth-fixed (ECEF) co-ordinates, enable engineers to model high-orbiting and long-range vehicles.

Similarly, point-mass models make possible the simplified representations characteristic of multiple-body modelling.

Plus, an expansion of the GNC library with navigation blocks - an accelerometer, gyroscope and inertial measurement unit - enable users to meet difficult design schedules by providing pre-built components when testing full vehicle designs.

"We are pleased to be providing the aerospace engineering community with a product that not only bridges the gap between modelling, simulation and flight simulation graphics software, but also helps meet the growing demand for designing low-cost, high-endurance aerospace vehicles", said Jennifer Petrosky, Industry Product Marketing Manager, The MathWorks.

"Now, engineers can save time and money by using desktop modelling and simulation capabilities rather than relying on costly lab-conducted design and testing methods".

The Aerospace Blockset 2 is available immediately for Microsoft Windows, Unix/Linux, and Macintosh platforms.

The UK list price starts at GBP 850.