Jetpack Simulator

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Manual

2.1. Overview

2.2. Teleportation

2.3. State information

2.4. Camera

2.5. Mouse control

2.6. Help pages

2.7. Hyperlinks

2.8. Known issues & To-dos

3. Behind the scenes

3.1. The web page

3.1.1. JavaScript references

3.1.2. Styles

3.1.3. Body

3.2. The JavaScript code

3.2.1. setSingleElement

3.2.2. constants

3.2.3. simulator

3.2.4. create_ge_instance

3.2.5. initialize

3.2.6. instantiation_failure

3.2.7. create_jetpack

3.2.8. simulate

3.2.9. inputs

3.2.10. poll_joystick

3.2.11. external_forces_and_moments

3.2.12. ducts

3.2.13. vanes

3.2.14. aerodynamics

3.2.15. ground

3.2.16. controllers

3.2.17. yaw_controller

3.2.18. altitude_controller

3.2.19. pitch_controller

3.2.20. roll_controller

3.2.21. brake_controller

3.2.22. kinematics

3.2.23. position_ode

3.2.24. attitude_ode

3.2.25. velocity_ode

3.2.26. rate_ode

3.2.27. integrate

3.2.28. update_view

3.2.29. update_shadow

3.2.30. output

3.2.31. key_down

3.2.32. key_up

3.2.33. Button_go_there_onclick

3.2.34. Button_christchurch_onclick

Objectives and Topics

The primary objective of this work is to provide a realistic, adaptable JavaScript simulation framework for the Martin Jetpack within the Google Earth plugin environment. It demonstrates how nonlinear six-degrees-of-freedom dynamics can be simulated in a browser-based 3D environment.

• Implementation of nonlinear flight dynamics and control systems.
• Integration of Google Earth API for 3D geographical visualization.
• Development of modular simulation source code for extensible projects.
• Control interface implementation utilizing mouse, keyboard, and joystick inputs.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Briefly introduces the Martin Jetpack's propulsion system and mechanical components.

2. Manual: Provides user instructions for operating the simulator, including navigation, controls, and help features.

3. Behind the scenes: Details the technical implementation, source code structure, and mathematical foundations of the simulation environment.

Keywords

Jetpack Simulator, Google Earth Plugin, JavaScript, Nonlinear Flight Dynamics, Flight Control, Six-Degrees-of-Freedom, Aerodynamics, Numerical Integration, Euler Angles, Joystick Interface, Web-based Simulation, Martin Jetpack, Differential Equations, Control Systems, 3D Visualization

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this work about?

This work provides a detailed manual and technical documentation for a web-based Martin Jetpack flight simulator implemented in JavaScript using the Google Earth API.

What are the central topics?

The central topics include realistic 3D flight simulation, the implementation of nonlinear differential equations for flight dynamics, and the integration of diverse user control interfaces.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to demonstrate that a realistic JavaScript-based simulation of nonlinear six-degrees-of-freedom dynamics is achievable within the Google Earth plugin framework.

Which scientific method is used?

The simulator employs numerical integration of nonlinear vectorial differential equations to calculate the motion of the jetpack based on forces and moments.

What is covered in the main section?

The main section (Behind the scenes) analyzes the source code, explains the control logic (yaw, altitude, pitch, roll), and defines the mathematical models for kinematics and force calculation.

What are the defining keywords?

Key terms include Jetpack Simulator, Flight Dynamics, JavaScript, Google Earth, Numerical Integration, and Control Systems.

How is the joystick input handled?

The simulator uses a specific joystick wrapper that maps axes and button states to control variables, applying a dead-zone filter to compensate for hardware imprecision.

How does the brake controller function?

The brake controller acts as a cascade control system that uses horizontal velocity feedback to generate pitch and roll commands, effectively decelerating the jetpack automatically.