SysEng

Pointer

A variable that stores the memory address of another variable. Created with &, dereferenced with *.

Reference

An alias to another variable. Cannot be null, cannot be reassigned. int& ref = x;

Stack

Fast, automatic cleanup, limited size. Used for local variables and small objects.

Heap

Larger memory, manual cleanup (or smart pointers), slower. Used for large objects and dynamic allocation.

Memory Leak

When memory is allocated but never deallocated. Other parts of program can't use that memory.

new vs malloc

new (C++) calls constructors, malloc (C) does not. new is preferred in modern C++.

delete

Deallocates memory on the heap. Must match new (delete for single, delete[] for arrays).

nullptr

Null pointer in C++11+. Safer than NULL or 0.

Encapsulation

Bundling data + methods in a class. Control access via public/private. Hides complexity.

Inheritance

Child class extends parent. Reuses code, specializes behavior. class Child : public Parent

Polymorphism

Same method name, different behavior depending on actual object type. Achieved via virtual functions.

Virtual Function

Function that can be overridden in derived classes. Enables polymorphism.

Abstract Class

Class with pure virtual functions. Cannot be instantiated, only inherited from.

Interface

In C++, simulated with abstract class. Defines contract that derived classes must fulfill.

Static Member

Belongs to class, not to instances. Shared by all objects of that class.

Constructor

Special method called when object is created. Initializes member variables.

Destructor

Special method called when object is destroyed. Cleans up resources (~ClassName).

Address-of Operator (&)

Returns memory address of a variable. int* ptr = &x;

Dereference Operator (*)

Accesses value at pointer's address. int val = *ptr;

Pointer Arithmetic

Can add/subtract from pointers. ptr++, ptr--. Moves by size of data type.

Double Pointer

Pointer to a pointer. int** pptr = &ptr;

Smart Pointer (unique_ptr)

Automatically deletes object when out of scope. No manual delete needed.

Smart Pointer (shared_ptr)

Reference-counted pointer. Deletes when last reference goes out of scope.

null Pointer Dereference

Accessing memory through null pointer. Causes crash. Always check before dereferencing.

High-Fidelity Simulation

Detailed, physics-accurate model. Trade-off: accurate but slower.

Low-Fidelity Simulation

Simplified model. Trade-off: fast but less accurate.

Trade Study

Comparing design options in simulation. Example: fin size vs turning speed.

Model Validation

Testing simulation against real-world data. Does model match reality?

Model Verification

Does simulation meet requirements? Does it do what it's supposed to do?

6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom)

3 translational (x,y,z position) + 3 rotational (roll, pitch, yaw) movements.

Flight Dynamics

Physics of how aircraft/missile moves under forces (thrust, gravity, drag) and control inputs.

Performance Simulation

Running model to predict system behavior in different real-world conditions.

Matrix Operations

MATLAB's core strength. No need for explicit loops for element-wise operations.

Differential Equations

MATLAB has solvers (ode45, ode23). Common in flight dynamics modeling.

Data Visualization

plot(), figure(), subplot(). Quick way to see simulation results.

Vector & Array

MATLAB works with matrices naturally. Easy numerical computing.

Script

MATLAB file (.m) containing commands. Run sequentially.

Function

Reusable code in MATLAB. [out1, out2] = myFunction(in1, in2)

.m File

MATLAB source file. Contains scripts or functions.

Requirements Traceability

Every requirement traces to a design element, then to verification step.

Systems Engineering V

Left side: requirements → design. Bottom: build/integrate. Right side: verify/validate.

Verification

Did we build it right? Does it meet requirements?

Validation

Did we build the right thing? Does it meet user need?

Margin Analysis

How much tolerance does design have? What's the safety factor?

Configuration Management

Tracking what version of code/hardware is deployed.

Guidance, Navigation, Control (GNC)

Guidance (where to go), Navigation (where are we), Control (steer there).

Signal Processing

Filtering, analyzing signals. Used in sensor data processing.

Sensor Modeling

Simulating sensor behavior—noise, lag, errors.

Control Loop

Feedback system: measure → compare to setpoint → adjust. Used in guidance systems.

Algorithm

Step-by-step procedure to solve a problem or achieve a goal.

Numerical Integration

Solving differential equations numerically (Euler, Runge-Kutta methods).