In 2015, NESC benchmarked Earth-based checks for well-specified, rigid-body, six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) aero/spacecraft models to promote consistent and accurate flight simulation across multiple agency tools and facilities. Cases have been released. Recently, NESC expanded this effort to include lunar-based check cases to support new lunar exploration initiatives. This study developed a small, focused set of cases that compared 8 high-fidelity NASA simulation tools using new and unique mission characteristics in the lunar environment and a measure of validation of simulations supporting the human landing system. provides
Results
The primary output of the check cases is the time history of each output variable, which can then be plotted with any data plotting software. For simulation comparison, there are results from multiple simulations.
conspired together. A static website was developed as a tool for simulation groups to quickly compare data using interactive plots, access scenario descriptions, and results lists.
Benefits for the FM community
The use of benchmarking check cases improves the simulations being evaluated, reduces errors, builds confidence in the solution, and builds credibility of simulation results in accordance with NASA Standard 7009A Standard for Models and Simulations. helps Simulation comparisons can benefit from using common standards to define parameters and share models and elevate the validity of critical simulations used to support insight or requirements compliance through analysis.