A boost for aircraft safety
Ensuring that an aircraft is safe to fly is a complicated process that requires processing of information on computers. The EU-funded project 'Clearance of flight control laws using optimisation' (Cofcluo) looked at improving computer computations in certifying aircraft for safety. By enhancing and speeding up the process, this would allow manufacturers to develop aircraft more quickly and promote competitiveness in the sector. This also has the potential to make the aircraft safer. The project focused on modelling, optimisation and evaluation. It looked at outlining parametric models for aircraft clearance and developed an aircraft model with explicit parameter requirements that considered flight control laws. Cofcluo also created a criteria library for different aircraft models and refined specifications for new modelling systems. With respect to optimisation, the project developed different techniques to tackle clearance of flight control laws (CFCL). This involved techniques to solve various optimisation problems and advance the field of flight envelopes and clearance criteria using advanced algorithms. The project team succeeded in translating CFCL problems into simulations for optimisation and worked on improving related algorithms. It also developed a clearance strategy that accurately detects worst case scenarios and built a flexible prototype clearance tool. Cofcluo then developed a testing and verification system for the tool to ensure accuracy in its modelling. Finally, evaluations were done to assess the relationship between research techniques and industrial process. Project partners established clearance benchmarks related to flight control law and flight requirements including pilot inputs and wind perturbations. Cofcluo successfully developed new modelling techniques and optimisation-based clearance techniques that are very promising. The esteemed European Airbus company has already expressed interest in adopting the new techniques for developing new aircraft, and the industry on the whole has made a giant leap thanks to the project. Eventually, these new simulation techniques may be incorporated in the industry's official clearance processes to help ensure safety and efficiency.
