Unit 1

Review of Static Stability – Concepts and Introduction to Dynamic Stability – Review: Body Axis, Stability Axis, Earth Axis – Euler Angles – Transformation between axis – Advantages of different axis – Aircraft Equations of Motion.

Unit 2

Small Perturbation Theory: Linear Equations of Motion, Stability Derivatives, Longitudinal and Lateral Modes – Concept and Physics – Characteristic Equation – Transfer Function Approach – State Space Modelling and its application to Modes.

Unit 3

Flying and Handling Qualities – Autopilots – Stability Augmentation System (SAS). Active Control Technology(ACT): Relaxed static stability, gust load alleviation, direct lift control, direct side force generator.

Objectives

• To introduce students to flight dynamics and control of aircrafts in order to achieve satisfactory flying and handling qualities.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Explain static and dynamic stability of an aircraft
• CO2: Apply ‘Small perturbation theory’ to derive Linear equations of motion of an aircraft
• CO3: Derive stability derivatives using first principles
• CO4: Understand concept and physics of Longitudinal and lateral Modes
• CO5: Derive transfer function of aircraft motion for different control surface inputs
• CO6: Recognise the importance of Flying and Handling qualities
• CO7: Discuss advanced concepts like stability augmentation system, autopilot and control configured vehicles

CO – PO Mapping

Textbook(s)

• M.V. Cook, Flight Dynamics Principles, “A Linear Systems Approach To Aircraft Stability And Control,” 3rd Edition, Elsevier, 2013.

Reference(s)

• Robert C Nelson,”Introduction To Flight Stability And Automatic Control,” 2nd Edition, Mcgraw-Hill, 1998.
• Warren F Philips, “Mechanics Of Flight”, Wiley, 2004.

Evaluation Pattern