Mechanics of Flight

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the impact of aerodynamic and control actions on flight and handling qualities
• fundamental dynamical modes of aircraft motion
• basic principles of aircraft equilibrium and stability

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• C1/M1 In the Blackboard quizzes and in the final exam, students are required to apply advanced mathematical concepts (equilibrium, stability theory, linearisation, eigenvalue analysis) that are widely utilised in engineering to solve a range of flight mechanics problems, such as aircraft trim and stability. C2/M2 In the Blackboard quizzes and in the final exam, student formulate solutions to partly open-ended flight mechanics problems and reach conclusions regarding various aspects of aircraft performance. Solving these problems requires balancing together multiple aeronautical engineering principles, borrowed from aerodynamics and basic mechanics. C3/M3 In the Blackboard quizzes and in the final exam, students utilise a range of techniques to model aircraft equilibrium and dynamical behaviour. This involves, for instance, utilising and appreciating the limitations of approximations of the complete aircraft dynamics to obtain analytical results pertaining the stability characteristics of the aircraft or its response to control inputs. C7 As part of the assessment, students evaluate the impact of aircraft design decisions, such as the location of the centre of gravity, on the drag characteristics of the aircraft and therefore on the role of aviation on greenhouse gases emissions. Students then identify optimal solutions to reduce this impact, considering the interaction with competing performance indicators, such as aircraft stability.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• describe a range of mathematical models of increasing sophistication to characterise aircraft behaviour
• explain the role of aircraft components and their design on flight performance and sustainability

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• utilise appropriate techniques to solve aircraft trim and stability problems
• model and interpret the dynamics of aircraft using a range of analytical and computational methods

Part A

Aircraft aerodynamics:

Nomenclature, aerodynamic centre, finite-wing effects, models of downwash and induced drag, high-lift devices, sources of drag.

Equilibrium and trim:

Equilibrium conditions in the longitudinal plane, models of tailplane, trim tabs, stick-fixed versus stick-free. Trim drag, effect of location of centre of gravity, optimisation of cruise performance.

Static stability:

Longitudinal static stability, neutral point, static margins in stick-free and stick-fixed conditions, manoeuvre stability, determining static stability margins from flight tests. Lateral-directional stability, roll-yaw coupling, effect of wing dihedral and sweep.

Part B

Aircraft motion in three-dimensions:

Full 6-DOF equations for a rigid aircraft. Linearisation and decoupling of equations of motion.

Longitudinal/Lateral dynamic stability:

Phugoid and short period oscillation modes. Dutch roll, spiral mode and roll subsidence. Reduced order models for longitudinal and lateral approximations.

Aerodynamic derivatives:

Estimation of selected longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic derivatives.

Control and gust response:

Control and gust derivatives. Handling qualities and stability augmentation.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods : lectures supplemented by problem classes.

Learning activities include directed reading and online quizzes.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External