The Aerospace Blockset 2 from MathWorks builds on the foundation of Simulink and Model-Based Design for aerospace vehicle modeling, simulation, and visualization. New features bring high-quality flight simulation graphics to the desktop, where modeling and simulation is more accessible and economical than design and test conducted in a lab. The new version provides off-the-shelf, drag-and-drop representations of aerospace components using standards-based reference models. Engineers can use the Aerospace Blockset 2 to optimize vehicle subsystem configurations and rapidly perform subsequent tradeoff studies earlier in the design stage.
Interfacing with FlightGear flight simulator software, new animation blocks in the Aerospace Blockset 2 enable users to visualize 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 visualization capabilities that provide the ability to quickly analyze the response of an aerospace system, not only from a pilot's perspective, but also from a chase aircraft or ground observer," said Langley engineer Kevin Cunningham. "The ability to present visual animations is particularly beneficial when complex multi-axis dynamic maneuvers are being evaluated. Now, non-subject matter experts are able to comprehend the results more effectively."
The Aerospace Blockset 2 also extends support for navigation and tracking applications. Expanded modeling utilities, including transformations and equations of motion for world or Earth-Centered Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinates, enable engineers to model high-orbiting and long-range vehicles. Similarly, point-mass models make possible the simplified representations characteristic of multiple-body modeling. 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 modeling, simulation and flight simulation graphics software, but also helps meet the growing demand for designing low-cost, high-endurance aerospace vehicles," said Jennifer Petrosky of MathWorks. "Now, engineers can save time and money by using desktop modeling and simulation capabilities rather than relying on costly lab-conducted design and testing methods."
The Aerospace Blockset 2 is available for Microsoft Windows, UNIX/Linux, and Macintosh platforms.
MathWorks develops technical computing software for engineers and scientists in industry, government, and education.