Physics-Based Digital Twin Simulation for Control System Development in Dynamic Flight and Motion Applications: Demonstrated on a Reusable Launch Vehicle

Williams, Rory David and Al Seyab, Rihab ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6384-193X (2026) Physics-Based Digital Twin Simulation for Control System Development in Dynamic Flight and Motion Applications: Demonstrated on a Reusable Launch Vehicle. In: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Aeronautical Sciences, Engineering and Technology. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, 2 . Springer Nature Link, Singapore, pp. 337-348. ISBN 9789819564453

Text 16496 Williams, R.D. and Al Seyab, R. (2026) Physics-Based Digital Twin Simulation for Control System Development in Dynamic Flight and Motion Applications.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (2MB)

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for validating MathWorks Simscape as a high-fidelity digital twin for aerospace control system development. A physics-based model of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) is built with nonlinear effects such as variable mass, actuator limits, and environmental disturbances. Using a classical Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller as a transparent benchmark, the study focuses on assessing physical fidelity rather than introducing new control methods. Validation compares simulated and expected dynamics, including disturbance rejection, mass-depletion effects, and coupled six-degree-of-freedom responses. Results show Simscape matches the benchmark within 5–8% across the flight envelope, confirming its suitability for advanced Model-Based Design and potential Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) workflows. The PID-based framework provides a scalable, cost-effective alternative to hardware-based verification.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Digital twin; PID; Simscap; Reusable launch vehicle; Control
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software > QA76.9 Other topics > QA76.9.C65 Computer simulation Q Science > QC Physics
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Kamila Niekoraniec
Date Deposited:	07 Sep 2026 12:42
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2026 09:30
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16496

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