Download for Windows, compatible with MATLAB/Simulink versions newer than 2006b.
Introductry video tutorial about using RotorLib FDM Simulink block in a Simulink model.
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Academic discount pricing is available for teaching and research purposes.
MATLAB toolbox and Simulink block library
RotorLib FDM for Matlab is a generic, high-fidelity mathematical model that simulates aerodynamic and mechanical aspects of helicopters in Matlab/Simulink environment. Features of the model are accessible through Matlab functions (hence scriptable). Moreover, a Simulink block that encapsulates the model is also provided.
High-fidelity simulation model
The helicopter model contains a momentum theory based rotor model for main and tail rotors. This model can compute not only forces and moments, but also coning and flapping angles, rotor wake parameters and power among others. It also computes torque at rotor shaft for interfacing with engine model through the drive train.
Aerodynamic interferences are taken into account. For example, the downwash generated by the main rotor creates forces and moments on the fuselage and stabilizers.
Fully Reconfigurable
The helicopter flight dynamics model of RotorLib FDM for Matlab is generic and fully reconfigurable. It is possible to modify the model parameters and enter actual configuration parameters of a specific rotorcraft (e.g. MQ-8B rotary wing UAV or Eurocopter EC135 ) to simulate it.
RotorLib FDM for Matlab contains an example helicopter model parameters of which are open. Customers can start working with this example right after installation. This example model can be used as a starting point for developing a new model.
Simulink trim and linearization support
RotorLib FDM for Matlab supports trim and linearization functions of Matlab/Simulink. It is possible to find stable trim points and linearized models at these trim points using standard Matlab functions (e.g. linmod). Examples for trimming and model linearization are included.
Very fast custom trim method
A disturbing problem with basic model trimming methods is that they are usually dependent on initial parameters. If the search for the trim point does not start at an initial state which is close to the solution, search might not converge. Moreover, trim point search takes usually a lot of time.
RotorLib FDM for Matlab provides a special trim finding method that is specially developed for helicopters, i.e. uses domain knowledge. This trim method is independent of the initial parameters and converges very fast.
The method is made available to the users through rlTrimHeli Matlab function.
Fast simulation model written in C++
RotorLib FDM helicopter dynamics model is written in C++ and hence works very fast. The FDM that is contained in the RotorLib FDM for Matlab is the same as RotorLib FDM (our real-time helicopter flight dynamics model).
Easy to understand flight model documentation with diagrams
Details of the flight dynamics model and detailed information on the model configuration and parameterization is provided in the user's manual. RotorLib FDM for Matlab also contains many application examples such as a Matlab scipt for model linearization and a Simulink model for a simple attitude controller.
Examples
RotorLib for MATLAB comes with many MATLAB script and Simulink model examples. Examples include:
- hover trim with MATLAB's fmin
- a simple attitude controller with Simulink and RotorLib Simulink block
- a Simulink model which starts a helicopter from the given hover trim state
- linearization at hover.
