Geometry Optimization of Flight Simulator Mechanism Using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

Flight simulators are motion platforms used to train pilots in various flight regimes. Theoretically, they need to simulate all flight cases and all forces acting upon the pilot during flight. In order to successfully simulate real flight, a moving part of the simulator needs to have six degrees of freedom. The pilot's body is moved and oriented in the space according to the video shown to him. Among many existing designs, parallel mechanisms based on the Stewart platform are most frequently used. In this paper, geometry optimization of the Stewart platform with rotary actuators (6-RUS) is done with a genetic algorithm. For the sake of optimization, it is necessary to define a minimum number of parameters that fully define mechanism with all constraints. The purpose of geometry optimization is to find a mechanism with a workspace that is suitable for simulating flight.