SYNOPSIS
Flight mechanics is an important aspect in the design and operation of an aircraft. A flight mission can only be operated successfully and safely if proper efforts are given to this aspect. Therefore, in this course, students will be equipped with the fundamental concept of aircraft performance calculation and static stability determination needed to analyze and design modern aircraft. Proper due shall be given to both aspects of performance and static stability. It is a blended course that combines traditional teaching methods to Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach based on real problems in flight mechanics and industrial visits of related industries.
PREREQUISITE
Aerodynamics (SEMT 3333)
ASSESSMENT
- Quiz: 5%
- Test 1: 20%
- Test 2: 20%
- Project 1: 5%
- Project 2: 10%
- Final examination: 40%
SUBMISSION PLATFORM
TEST
Test: 1
Date:
Time:
Venue:
Test: 2
Date:
Time:
Venue:
REFERENCES
- Anderson J.D., Aircraft Performance and Design, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1998.
- Shevell R S, Fundamentals of Flight, Prentice Hall, 2nd Edition, 1989.
- Eshelby M, Aircraft Performance – Theory and Practice, Arnold 2000.
- Russell, J.B., Performance & Stability of Aircraft, Arnold 1996.
- McCormick, B.W., Aerodynamics, Aeronautics and Flight Mechanics, Wiley, 1995.
- Houghton, L., Carpenter PW; “Aerodynamics for Engineering Students”, Wiley, 1993.
- Nelson R.C., “Flight Stability and Automatic Control”, McGRaw-Hill, , 1998.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Week 1 | Introduction to Aircraft Performance Airworthiness and Standards |
Week 2 | Review of Standard Atmosphere model. Airspeed measurements and instrumentation (altimeter, airspeed indicator, Pitot tube etc.). Engine characteristics (Turbojet, Piston-prop, Turbofan and Turboprop) |
Week 3 | Basic Aerodynamics. Aerodynamics forces and coefficient (Lift, Drag, Thrust), Drag Equation – Total Drag (induce drag, skin friction drag, form drag, etc.), drag coefficient |
Week 4 | Thrust and Power required. Minimum thrust and power conditions. Straight and level flight – equation of motion of cruise flight, drag equation, performance in term of thrust and power. |
Week 5 | Climbing Flight Climbing at shallow angle, rate of climb, time to climb and climb gradient. |
Week 6 | Gliding Flight Gliding for maximum distance, gliding for maximum duration, sinking speed, and time to descend. |
Week 7 | Range and Endurance Definition of range and endurance, equation for range and maximum range, equation for endurance and maximum endurance. |
Week 8 | Mid-Semester Break |
Week 9 | Take-off and Landing. Other accelerated flights (steady banked turned, dive and pull-out) |
Week 10 | Introduction to aircraft static stability and control. |
Week 11 | Longitudinal static stability Equilibrium condition, static stability analysis, criteria for longitudinal static stability, tail lift curve. |
Week 12 | Longitudinal Control Trim, sticks fixed and sticks free stability, static margin. |
Week 13 | Lateral static stability Directional, sideslip and roll static stability, dihedral effect and fin sizing |
Week 14 | Lateral control Directional, roll and yaw control, rudder and aileron sizing. |
Week 15 | Turning Flight, Pitch maneuverability. |
LECTURE NOTES (NEW)
PASS EXAMINATION