Multi-Fidelity Validation of Control Surface Deflection Predictions Using FlightStream®

Accurate aerodynamic modeling is a bottleneck for simulation-to-flight work—especially when control surface effects, viscous behavior, and separation start to matter. This project establishes a multi-fidelity validation pipeline that compares FlightStream® (mid-fidelity) predictions against high-fidelity CFD and experimental measurements to quantify modeling accuracy and guide how these tools should be used in control design. The initial study focuses on control-surface effectiveness characterization, including static deflection sweeps and dynamic testing to support system identification and control development.

A key outcome is a validated pathway for generating aerodynamic databases and stability/control derivatives that are practical for iterative design. The workflow integrates geometry-based modeling (e.g., OpenVSP to solver-ready models), CFD benchmarking, and WindShaper testing with a 6-axis load cell, along with system identification methods to extract empirical control derivatives. The longer-term goal (and the next step for this project) is to extend the same approach beyond a single surface—characterizing the full vehicle across relevant angles of attack/sideslip, rates, and control effectors—so the resulting models can directly feed a high-confidence digital twin for flight testing and control-law validation.