Modeling and Simulation of Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue Using Virtual Prototype Technology

The Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER) System uses 24 GN2 thrusters to achieve six degree-of freedom maneuvering control and Automated Attitude Hold (AAH) control. It is a typical hybrid control system and difficult to model. In this article, we applied the virtual prototyping technology; and used MATLAB/Simmechanics for modeling and simulation of the SAFER system. The implementation model of hybrid control system for SAFER is demonstrated, including kinematic and dynamic model, and logical status for Automated Attitude Control (AAH). The model of SAFER is modeled by 3D modeling software, and then imported in Simmechanics as a virtual machine. Together with other Simulink module such as STATEFLOW, Look-up Table block, etc, the virtual SAFER hybrid control system can be modeled and simulated in Simulink. The result shows the validation possibilities of such a combined tool. Simulation result verifies the effectiveness of the method.