Kinematic Control of a Human Centrifuge System for Simulation of Aircraft Manoeuvres

Human Centrifuge Systems (HCSs) have been used for G-acceleration training for the past several decades. Current HCSs vary in structure, motion capabilites, and Dynamic Flight Simulation (DFS) capabilities. Aircraft Combat Manoeuvres (ACMs) pose risks to aircrew as they can induce high G-accelerations that negatively impact the physiological and psychological condition of aircrew. To train aircrew for the G-acceleration environment of ACMs, HCS kinematic and dynamic control should be implemented to accurately generate the G-acceleration of ACMs. To achieve such control scheme, the relationship between aircraft motion and HCS motion should be investigated. This study presents the novel analysis of three ACMs and the corresponding G-acceleration profile and kinematic control for a passive, two Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) HCS. The outcomes of this study show that a two-DoF HCS can accurately replicate the Gz-acceleration profile of ACMs. The proposed methodology of this study will contribute to configurational design optimisation and robust motion control of HCSs.