flight controlsand autopilots（飞行控制和自动驾驶仪）.docVIP

Flight Control Systems and Autopilots Brian Jewell Department of Engineering, Calvin College Engineering 315 Final Paper Professor Ribeiro Abstract: Autopilot systems have been crucial to flight control for decades and have been making flight easier, safer, and more efficient. However, these autopilot systems are complex devices that require precise control and stability. These systems usually include a form of digital control systems to allow for easier implementation. One example, the Beaver Autopilot system, uses an inner, outer loop system to maintain control while simpler systems often only require something as simple as a PID controller to keep the aircraft stable. 1. Introduction Since the creation of the first aircraft, the ability for people to travel large distances in relatively short periods of time has drastically increased. However, in the beginning of the airplane age, traveling on these craft was difficult as there are many components of air travel and controlling these components can be an extremely difficult task for a pilot. In modern aircraft, there are simply too many things for the pilot to control them all so some form of automation must be done. Also, long air trips can cause problems for the pilots. While the plane is traveling along the same trajectory, flying can and does become a rather monotonous job for the pilot and the pilot runs a higher risk of falling asleep or suffering from a reduced response time. For these reasons, autopilot systems have become a blessing to the aerospace industry. However, these autopilot systems are not simple systems. They require complex control systems with robust measuring equipment. The scope of this paper is to give an overview of autopilot systems (with a description of digital controls), to examine the Beaver Autopilot System, and to explore a simple flight control example. 2. History The earliest form of autopilots have been in existence for decades. The first systems we