Efficient Experimental Testing

What is it about?

Rapid modeling and efficient testing methods are important in a number of aerospace applications. In this study efficient testing strategies were evaluated in a wind tunnel test environment and combined to suggest a promising approach capitalizing on sequentially testing and building aerodynamic models. The approach is applicable to both ground-based and flight-based experiments. Benefits of using Design of Experiment techniques, well established in scientific, military, and manufacturing applications are evaluated in combination with newly developed methods for global nonlinear modeling. The nonlinear modeling methods, referred to as “Learn-to-Fly” methods, utilize fuzzy logic and multivariate orthogonal function techniques that have been successfully demonstrated in flight test. The blended approach presented in this study is focused on experiment design and identifies a sequential testing process with clearly defined completion metrics that produce increased testing efficiency.

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Why is it important?

Rapid modeling is important in a number of fields but particularly in aerospace applications where testing can be very expensive and time consuming.

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