Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling
[2005-?]
In the past, adverse interactions between pilot and aircraft were often ascribed to pilots’ fault or specific flight conditionsv and received very limited consideration both in aircraft design and in training courses. Moreover, accidents directly or indirectly caused by Aircraft-Pilot Coupling (APC) were not correctly identified because of technological and cultural inadequacy. During the last decades APC received the attention of the aeronautic community. APC events have been defined in two ways:
- involuntary trajectories and flight behaviors originating from an anomalous interaction between pilot and aircraft;
- pilot-in-the-loop instabilities, remarking the need of the active (even though not necessarily voluntary) intervention of the pilot.
In general, when the effectiveness of the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) that is applied to increase the stability margins during the design process is invalidated by the presence of the pilot-in-the-loop, the impact of APC on aircraft stability is of particular relevance.
Less attention has been paid in the last decades in the open literature to Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling (RPC), as opposed to APC. This implies a somewhat poorer knowledge of RPC phenomena, which are not yet specifically considered as design drivers by many rotorcraft manufacturers.
Only few works on this topic are available in the open literature. Recent efforts originated in Europe to investigate Aircraft- and Rotorcraft-Pilot Couplings (A/RPC). This page briefly recaps the role of the Aeroservoelasticity and Structural Dynamics research group of the “Department of Aerospace Science and Technology” (formerly Dipartimento di Ingegneria Aerospaziale) of Politecnico di Milano in several consortia that studied the problem mainly from the point of view of rotorcraft aeroelasticity and pilot biomechanics, to investigate the involuntary aspects of the problem (Pilot-Augmented Oscillations, PAO) and their potential impact on vehicle design.
Related Research Projects
- RPC (2019-2023).
- ARISTOTEL (2010-2013, partially supported by the European Commission, 7FP).
- PRIN 2007 (2008-2010, partially supported by MIUR).
- “Regione Lombardia” Research Startup Fellowship (2007-2009, supported by Regione Lombardia).
- GARTEUR HC AG-16 on RPC (2005-2008, self-funded; the activity of this Action Group won the GARTEUR Award of Excellence for 2010/2011).
Publications
- P. Masarati, V. Muscarello, G. Quaranta, P. Marguerettaz, G. Guglieri, L. Lu, M. Jump, “A Comprehensive Pilot Model for Voluntary/Involuntary Action in Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling”, American Helicopter Society 71th Annual Forum, Virginia Beach, VA, USA, May 5-7, 2015.
- V. Muscarello, G. Quaranta, P. Masarati, “The Role of Rotor Coning in Helicopter Proneness to Collective Bounce”, Aerospace Science and Technology, 36:103-113, July 2014, doi:10.1016/j.ast.2014.04.006.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “Bioaeroservoelastic Analysis of Involuntary Rotorcraft-Pilot Interaction” , ASME J. Comput. Nonlinear Dyn., 9(3):031009, July 2014, doi:10.1115/1.4025354.
- G. Quaranta, A. Tamer, V. Muscarello, P. Masarati, M. Gennaretti, J. Serafini, M. Molica Colella, “Rotorcraft Aeroelastic Stability Using Robust Analysis” , CEAS Aeronautical Journal, 5(1):29-39, March 2014, doi:10.1007/s13272-013-0082-z.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, L. Lu, M. Jump, “A Closed Loop Experiment of Collective Bounce Aeroelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling” , Journal of Sound and Vibration, 333(1):307-325, January 2014, doi:10.1016/j.jsv.2013.09.020.
- P. Masarati, G. Bindolino, G. Quaranta, “A Parametric Pilot/Control Device Model for Rotorcraft Biodynamic Feedthrough Analysis” , 40th European Rotorcraft Forum 2014, Southampton, UK, September 2-5, 2014.
- S. Zanlucchi, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “A Pilot-Control Device Model for Helicopter Sensitivity to Collective Bounce” , DETC2014-34479, ASME IDETC/CIE 2014, Buffalo, NY, August 17-20, 2014.
- G. Quaranta, P. Masarati, M. Lanz, M. Marforio, V. Muscarello, “Biodynamic adverse rotorcraft pilot coupling” , 5th International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics AHFE 2014, Kraków, Poland, July 19-23, 2014.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, A. Bernardini, G. Guglieri, “A voluntary/involuntary pilot model for helicopter flight dynamics and aeroservoelasticity” , AIAA Modeling and Simulation Technologies Conferenc, Atlanta, Georgia, June 16-20, 2014.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, A. Zanoni, “Dependence of Helicopter Pilots’ Biodynamic Feedthrough on Upper Limbs’ Muscular Activation Patterns” , Proc. IMechE Part K: J. Multi-body Dynamics, 227(4):344-362, December 2013, doi:10.1177/1464419313490680.
- M. Gennaretti, J. Serafini, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “Effects of Biodynamic Feedthrough in Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling: Collective Bounce Case” , AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, November 2013, 36(6):1709-1721, doi:10.2514/1.61355.
- 2013-09-23: Final workshop held at TU Delft
- M. D. Pavel, M. Jump, B. DangVu, P. Masarati, M. Gennaretti, A. Ionita, J. Malecki, L. Zaicek, H. Smaili, “Rotorcraft Pilot Couplings - Past, Present and Future Challenges” , Progress in Aerospace Sciences, October 2013, 62:1-51, doi:10.1016/j.paerosci.2013.04.003.
- M. Jones, M. Jump, L. Lu, D. Yilmaz, M. Pavel, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, V. Muscarello, “The Role of Flight Simulation in Exposing Rotorcraft Pilot Couplings” , 39th ERF, Moscow, Russia, September 3-6, 2013.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, L. Zaichik, Y. Yashin, P. Desyatnik, M. D. Pavel, J. Venrooij, H. Smaili, “Biodynamic Pilot Modelling for Aeroelastic A/RPC” , 39th ERF, Moscow, Russia, September 3-6, 2013.
- M. Gennaretti, M. Molica Colella, J. Serafini, B. DangVu, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, V. Muscarello, M. Jump, M. Jones, A. Ionita, I. Fuiorea, M. Mihaila-Andres, S. Radu, “Anatomy, Modelling and Prediction of Aeroservoelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot-Coupling” , 39th ERF, Moscow, Russia, September 3-6, 2013.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, J. Venrooij, “Impact of Pilot’s Biodynamic Feedthrough on Rotorcraft by Robust Stability” , Journal of Sound and Vibration, 332(20):4948-4962, September 2013, doi:10.1016/j.jsv.2013.04.020.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “Coupled Bioaeroservoelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Simulation” , DETC2013-12035, ASME 9th MSNDC, Portland, OR, USA, August 4-7, 2013
- V. Muscarello, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, L. Lu, M. Jump, M. Jones, “Investigation of Adverse Aeroelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling Using Real-Time Simulation” , 69th AHS Forum, Phoenix, AZ, USA, May 21-23 2013.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, M. Jump, “Experimental and Numerical Helicopter Pilot Characterization for Aeroelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Couplings Analysis” , Proc. IMechE Part G: J. Aerosp. Engng. 227(1):124-140, January 2013. doi:10.1177/0954410011427662
- A. Zanoni, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “Rotorcraft Pilot Impedance from Biomechanical Model Based on Inverse Dynamics” , presented at IMECE 2012, Houston, Texas, November 9-15, 2012.
- G. Quaranta, A. Tamer, P. Masarati, M. Gennaretti, J. Serafini, M. Molica Colella, “Evaluation of Rotary Wing Aeroelastic Stability Using Robust Analysis” presented at the 38th ERF, Amsterdam, NL, September 4-7, 2012.
- A. Zanoni, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “Estimation of the Dependence of Upper Limb’s Biomechanical Impedance on Muscular Activation” , presented at IMSD 2012, Stuttgart, Germany, May 29-June 1, 2012.
- V. Muscarello, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “Multibody Analysis of Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling” , presented at IMSD 2012, Stuttgart, Germany, May 29-June 1, 2012.
- G. Quaranta, P. Masarati, J. Venrooij, “Robust Stability Analysis: a Tool to Assess the Impact of Biodynamic Feedthrough on Rotorcraft” , presented at the 68th AHS Forum, Fort Worth, Texas, May 1-3, 2012.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, L. Lu, M. Jump, “Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Aeroelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling” , presented at the 68th AHS Forum, Fort Worth, Texas, May 1-3, 2012.
- M. D. Pavel, J. Malecki, B. DangVu, P. Masarati, M. Gennaretti, M. Jump, H. Smaili, A. Ionita, L. Zaicek, “A Retrospective Survey of Adverse Rotorcraft Pilot Couplings in European Perspective” , presented at the 68th AHS Forum, Fort Worth, Texas, May 1-3, 2012.
- M. Pavel, J. Malecki, B. DangVu, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, M. Genaretti, M. Jump, H. Smaili, A. Ionita, L. Zaicek, “Aircraft and Rotorcraft Pilot Coupling: a Survey of Recent Research Activities within the European Project ARISTOTEL” , presented at CEAS 2011, 24-28 October 2011, Venice, Italy.
- V. Muscarello, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, “Robust Aeroservoelastic Analysis for the Investigation of Rotorcraft Pilot Couplings” , presented at CEAS 2011, 24-28 October 2011, Venice, Italy.
- J. Venrooij, D. Yilmaz, M.D. Pavel, G. Quaranta, M. Jump, and M. Mulder, “Measuring Biodynamic Feedthrough in Helicopters” , ERF 2011, September 13-15, 2011, Gallarate, VA, Italy.
- M. Pavel, J. Malecki, B. DangVu, P. Masarati, M. Genaretti, M. Jump, H. Smaili, A. Ionita, L. Zaicek, “Present and Future Trends in Aircraft and Rotorcraft Pilot Couplings - a Retrospective Survey of Recent Research Activities within the European Project ARISTOTEL” , ERF 2011, September 13-15, 2011, Gallarate, VA, Italy. Within the 10 best forum papers.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, M. Gennaretti, J. Serafini, “An Investigation of Aeroelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Interaction” , ERF 2011, September 13-15, 2011, Gallarate, VA, Italy.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, M. Gennaretti, J. Serafini, “Aeroservoelastic Investigation of Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling (RPC) by Coupled BEM/Multibody Analysis” , IFASD 2011, June 26-30, 2011 Paris, France.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, W. Basso, R. Bianco-Mengotti, C. Monteggia, “Preliminary In-Flight Biomechanic Tests on the BA-609 Fly-By-Wire Tiltrotor” , 21st SFTE EC Symposium, Vergiate (VA), Italy, October 3-6, 2010.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, M. Gennaretti, J. Serafini, “Aeroservoelastic Analysis of Rotorcraft-Pilot Interaction by Coupled BEM-Multibody Solvers” , 36th ERF, Paris, France, September 7-9, 2010
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, M. Gennaretti, J. Serafini “Aeroservoelastic Analysis of Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling: a Parametric Study” 66th AHS Forum, May 11-13, 2010, Phoenix, AZ.
- M. Mattaboni, G. Quaranta, P. Masarati, and M. Jump “Experimental Identification of Rotorcraft Pilots’ Biodynamic Response for Investigation of PAO Events” 35th European Rotorcraft Forum, Hamburg, September 22-25, 2009.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, W. Basso, R. Bianco-Mengotti e C. Monteggia “Biodynamic Tests for Pilots’ Characterization on the BA-609 Fly-By-Wire Tiltrotor” XX Congresso Nazionale AIDAA, June 29-July 3 2009, Milano, Italy.
- M. Mattaboni, A. Fumagalli, G. Quaranta, and P. Masarati “Identification of the Biomechanical Behavior of a Rotorcraft Pilot Arm” XX Congresso Nazionale AIDAA, June 29-July 3 2009, Milano, Italy.
- J. Serafini, M. Gennaretti, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, O. Dieterich “Aeroelastic and Biodynamic Modeling for Stability Analysis of Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling Phenomena” Presented at the 34th European Rotorcraft Forum, September 16-19, 2008, Liverpool (UK).
- O. Dieterich, J. Götz, B. DangVu, H. Haverdings, P. Masarati, M. Pavel, M. Jump, M. Gennaretti “Adverse Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling: Recent Research Activities in Europe” Presented at the 34th European Rotorcraft Forum, September 16-19, 2008, Liverpool (UK).
- M. Jump, S. Hodge, B. DangVu, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, M. Mattaboni, M. Pavel, O. Dieterich “Adverse Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling: The Construction of the Test Campaigns at the University of Liverpool” Presented at the 34th European Rotorcraft Forum, September 16-19, 2008, Liverpool (UK).
- M. Mattaboni, A. Fumagalli, M. Jump, P. Masarati, G. Quaranta “Biomechanical Pilot Properties Identification by Inverse Kinematics/Inverse Dynamics Multibody Analysis” Presented at the ICAS-International Council for the Aeronautical Sciences September 14-19, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
- P. Masarati, G. Quaranta, J. Serafini, and M. Gennaretti “Numerical Investigation of Aeroservoelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Coupling” XIX Congresso AIDAA, Forlì, Italy, 17-21 Settembre 2007.