All programmes > Aircraft Performance and Stability

Aircraft Performance and Stability (B-KUL-H04W6A)

5 ECTSEnglish43 Second term
Naets Frank (coordinator) |  Giulietti Fabrizio |  Naets Frank |  Vanpaemel Simon (substitute)
POC Werktuigkunde

Aims

The student is able to calculate aircraft performances related to the complete flight profile (take-off, climb, cruise, landing, turns) based on simplifying assumptions and approximate empirical relations. The student is able to compare the results of these calculations with the expected orders of magnitude and to evaluate their accuracy in light of the assumptions made.
The student is able to formulate the requirements for static stability (longitudinal, directional and lateral) and determine the required deflection of the control surfaces, both for symmetric and asymmetric motions.
The student is able to derive a linearised dynamic model for control purposes starting from the dynamic equations of an aircraft.

Previous knowledge

Basic mechanics, aerodynamics and system theory as introduced in the subjects 'Toegepaste mechanica: deel1', 'Toegepaste Mechanica: deel 2', 'Aerodynamica' and 'Systeemtheorie' or equivalent.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4.43 ects. Aircraft Performance and Stability: Theory Lecture (B-KUL-H04W6a)

4.43 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture33 Second term
Giulietti Fabrizio |  Naets Frank |  Vanpaemel Simon (substitute)
POC Werktuigkunde

Content

Part I: Performance
 
·         introduction: review of basics of aerodynamics; characteristics of propulsion systems for propeller and jet planes
·         equations of motion in a vertical plane
·         glide
·         level flight
·         climb
·         range and endurance
·         turns: coordinated turn in a horizontal plane; general turning flight
·         take-off and landing
 
Part II: static stability and control
·         introduction: review of aerodynamic characteristics of wing profiles, aerodynamic center and center of pressure
·         static longitudinal stability: equilibrium equation, stick-fixed static stability, control of the elevator, stick-free static stability, stick force
·         static directional stability: equilibrium equation, rudder-fixed static stability, control of the rudder, rudder-free static stability, pedal force
·         static lateral stability: equilibrium equation, control of the ailerons
 
Part III: Equations of motion and dynamic stability
 
·         definition of reference frames
·         relation between angular velocity and derivatives of Euler angles
·         force and moment equations
·         derivation of a linear model for small disturbances
 
 

Course material

Study cost: 1-10 euros (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)

B.N. Pamadi, Performance, Stability, Dynamics and Control of Airplanes, AIAA Education Series

0.57 ects. Aircraft Performance and Stability: Practice (B-KUL-H04W7a)

0.57 ECTSEnglishFormat: Practical10 Second term
Giulietti Fabrizio |  Naets Frank |  Vanpaemel Simon (substitute)
POC Werktuigkunde

Content

Part I: Performance
 
·         introduction: review of basics of aerodynamics; characteristics of propulsion systems for propeller and jet planes
·         equations of motion in a vertical plane
·         glide
·         level flight
·         climb
·         range and endurance
·         turns: coordinated turn in a horizontal plane; general turning flight
·         take-off and landing
 
Part II: static stability and control
·         introduction: review of aerodynamic characteristics of wing profiles, aerodynamic center and center of pressure
·         static longitudinal stability: equilibrium equation, stick-fixed static stability, control of the elevator, stick-free static stability, stick force
·         static directional stability: equilibrium equation, rudder-fixed static stability, control of the rudder, rudder-free static stability, pedal force
·         static lateral stability: equilibrium equation, control of the ailerons
 
Part III: Equations of motion and dynamic stability
 
·         definition of reference frames
·         relation between angular velocity and derivatives of Euler angles
·         force and moment equations
·         derivation of a linear model for small disturbances
 
 

*

The activities consist of solving numerical example problems directly related to the theory introduced in the lectures.
In fact, lectures and practice sessions are merged together into combined sessions. Immediately after to the introduction of new theoretical material, the material is illustrated by a numerical example problem solved by the students under the guidance of the teacher. The problems solved in these sessions are representative for the problems that have to be solved during the examination.

Course material

B.N. Pamadi, Performance, Stability, Dynamics and Control of Airplans, AIAA Education Series

Evaluation

Evaluation: Aircraft Performance and Stability (B-KUL-H24W6a)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written

Explanation


Part I and II: the exam consists of problems related to performance and static stability.

Part III: the exam consists of problems and theoretical derivations related to dynamic stability.

The students may use an approved list of formulas and have access to Matlab.