Computer aided training : development and application of a rocket motor altitude test cell simulator

The current training methods used by United States Air Force military engineers assigned as Rocket Propulsion Test Engineers in the Arnold Engineering Development Center's Engine Test Facility, were studied and most were determined to be inefficient. To enhance efficiency, the basic principles associated with testing a rocket motor in an altitude test cell were modelled and simulated on a computer.

Computer aided training, computer aided instruction, modelling, and simulation were researched for methods to enhance this application. Of the various methods researched, those that were selected fit the criteria of user friendliness, portability, and real ism. Portability was especially important because it allows a more general application of the program.

Developing the program required extensive data analysis to model the testing principles. The results of this analysis allowed assumptions to be made which significantly simplified the model.

The result of the research, data analysis, and program development was a rocket motor test cell simulator that allows a user to conduct a simulated test through interactive graphics. Because this training method is fast, economical, and repetitive, the user can learn these principles in an extremely efficient manner.