Expert: Mark Janus - 12/25/2007

Question
How to computer simulate flight control of birds or insects ? What are the essential parameters common and uncommon to airplane flight ?

Answer
Biological flight is quite a complicated combination of feedback and control.  We can simulate the motions associated with different types or modes of flight, but to my knowledge not a lot of research has been performed in completing the feedback (use of sensors) to mimic the maneuverability of biological systems.  Basically it involves solving the equations of fluid motion, solving a 6 DOF (degree of freedom) system, and utilization of sensors to close the loop...  kinda the cutting edge of unsteady simulation...

Thanx for the question,
mj