System Identification of General Aviation Aircraft Using the Filter Error Technique

Abstract

An overview of some past and modern applications of system identification techniques to aircraft is presented in this thesis, which traces progress and accomplishments in the field of system identification - especially application to aircraft. The thesis also includes the definition, meaning, importance, applications and necessity of the same. The fundamental parts of system identification, including model postulation, experimental design, data analysis, parameter estimation, and model validation are explained. The filter error technique of data analysis is detailed, for both linear and nonlinear systems. Techniques to predict aircraft stability and control derivatives theoretically and analytically are explained in some details. Two successfully investigated experiments of system identification using flight data with results and comparison of the estimated parameters with published data are demonstrated with details. The thesis is completed by some remarks made on possible future advancement and concluding notes.