D-Six Real Time Simulation Engine
One of the key features of D-Six is the capability of the software to run and execute the most complex engineering simulations at their requisite frame rates in real time. The ability of D-Six to execute this requirement in such demanding applications as flight control
hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is the result of its highly efficient structure and novel manipulation and interpolation of table data. Rather than an adaptation of existing simulation table functions, D-Six uses a fundamental redesign of the way tabular functions are handled.
This new methodology results in highly optimized table look up function capable of the following performance:
- over 500,000 1-d table lookups per second bench marked on a 200 mhz Pentium Pro
- Processor load is linear with respect to the number of table dimensions
- Processor load is independent of table size (number of points)
- There are no restriction on number of dimensions per table
As a result, D-Six can easily accommodate the largest models of complex multi-dimensional functionalities in real time operation.. D-Six native simulation structure is the result of the use of the most recent software developments and efficiencies. Designed with as a clean sheet
approach to simulation model development, the structure is configured to allow the user to use, or replace all of the major simulation engine components. The integration scheme, the equations of motion, the atmospheric model - any new simulation elements may be utilized by simply
replacing the basic D-Six function call with one to another, user supplied component. In this way, D-Six has easily accommodated the introduction of legacy simulation elements ranging from other integration schemes to entire trainer models, including the embedded table look ups and six
degree of freedom code. The basic simulation core uses full nonlinear, non-symmetric six degree of freedom equations of motion, integrating quaternion based angular motion using a Runge Kutta integration scheme. A standard atmosphere model provides the appropriate atmospheric effects.
As discussed above, any of these modular elements may be replaced as the user requires by commenting out the module call and introducing their own. The control of the simulation operation, such as step size, run time, are controlled through a graphical user interface, however, many of
the simulation run functions, such as run, restart, pause, step, etc can also be mapped to keyboard or hardware operation. The user also has the option of retaining simulation runs in local memory for comparative purposes during the simulation session. These runs may also be saved
permanently to disk in a number of export formats. The ability to export D-Six's simulation engine with a hosted model to other applications provides the user with further flexibility. In this way, an entire model may be introduced into tools such as MATLAB SIMULINK as an operable six
degree of freedom element. This capability enables the use of an existing D-Six simulation model as a functional block in SIMULINK, for example, available for control system design on the actual simulation database, or other analytical operations. The ability to export the model as an
operating component in other analytical tools provides the user with unprecedented development flexibility.
Other Product Package Descriptions
