Mathematical and experimental simulation in aerospace system verification

The paper deals with a consideration of system methodology in mathematical modelling and experimental studies of physical processes and with engineering systems in design and verification of space and aerospace vehicles, The author proceeds from the assumption that the mathematical modelling significance will grow steadily in designing and testing of space/aerospace vehicles. At the same time, the experiments and tests will always present a basis to validate the mathematical models and methods being used for their adequacy and verify the design decision correctness. This taking place, it is very important to establish a correct correspondence between mathematical modelling and experimental testing as well as to improve their effectiveness. Herein are the following main problems: firstly, the development of a unified approach both for mathematical model identification and for technical system diagnostics which is essential in the process of design and testing; secondly, the construction of a hierarchical set of interconnected mathematical models and methods to use them adequately at different stages of research and development while designing and verifying a new flight vehicle; thirdly, the derivation of a valid procedure for experiments and tests performing and experimental data processing in order to increase the amount of valuable experimental information and, accordingly, reduce the cost. The extensive studies of these problems conducted for many years in the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) showed that they can be efficiently solved with the help of a new class of methods based on the solving of inverse problems coupled with the optimum experimental design. The present paper gives a short description of a general methodology for identification and diagnostics of physical processes and engineering systems as well as for construction of adequate enough mathematical models or methods and further application in the system verification. A combination of mathematical modelling and testing is considered as an example of implementation of this methodology applicable to a verification of the thermal protection system of Buran orbiter. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.