Governing Equations of Three-Axis Flight Motion Simulator

Three-axis Flight Motion Simulator (FMS) is a high-precision gimbal assembly used to replicate the 3-axis rotational movements of a missile/spacecraft in a laboratory environment. FMS finds use in various applications like calibration and testing of inertial sensors, HardWare-In-the-Loop testing of guidance and navigation systems, and implementation of Line of Sight stabilization for optoelectronic systems. This paper presents a mathematical model of the 3-Axis Flight Motion Simulator. The developed mathematical model, based on Euler's equations, is a coupled, non-linear model which can be used to study the dynamic characteristics of the FMS, model-based controller design, and recommend enhancements to the assembly's mechanical design for minimizing cross-coupling among three axes. The model has been validated using a detailed rigid body model. Forward and inverse dynamics simulation results are presented which helps in understanding the governing dynamics of the FMS gimbal assembly.