Checking date: 21/01/2025


Course: 2024/2025

Mechanics of Flight I
(14167)
Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering (Plan: 421 - Estudio: 251)


Coordinating teacher: SANCHEZ ARRIAGA, GONZALO

Department assigned to the subject: Aerospace Engineering Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 3.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Mechanics applied to Aerospace Engineering Aerodynamics I Aerospace Propulsion I
Objectives
Flight Mechanics I introduces students to aircraft performance. It includes the general equation of motion of aircraft and the analysis of the flight in cruise conditions, climbing and descent maneuvers in the vertical plane, coordinated turn, takeoff and landing. The course also discusses some basic concepts on stability and control like the neutral point. It makes emphasis on the mathematical models and analysis techniques of this engineering branch, simulation of the aircraft motion, and evaluation of flying qualities, with brief discussion on regulations, guidance, navigation, and control.
Learning Outcomes
CB2: Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CB5: Students will have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy. CG5: Ability to carry out projection activities, technical management, expert appraisal, drafting of reports, opinions, and technical advice in tasks related to Aeronautical Technical Engineering, the exercise of genuinely aerospace technical functions and positions. CG6: Ability to participate in flight test programmes for the collection of data on take-off distances, climb rates, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capabilities. CG9: Ability to analyse and solve aerospace problems in new or unknown environments, within broad and complex contexts, integrated in multidisciplinary and international work teams. CG10: Ability to use computational and experimental tools for the analysis and quantification of engineering problems. CE.CRA4: Understand how aerodynamic forces determine the dynamics of flight and the role of the different variables involved in the phenomenon of flight. CE.CRA12: Adequate knowledge and application to engineering of: The fundamentals of fluid mechanics; the basic principles of flight control and automation; the main physical and mechanical characteristics and properties of materials. CE.CRA13: Applied knowledge of: the science and technology of materials; mechanics and thermodynamics; fluid mechanics; aerodynamics and flight mechanics; navigation and air traffic systems; aerospace technology; theory of structures; air transport; economics and production; projects; environmental impact. RA1: Have basic knowledge and understanding of mathematics, basic sciences, and engineering within the aerospace field, including: behaviour of structures; thermodynamic cycles and fluid mechanics; the air navigation system, air traffic, and coordination with other means of transport; aerodynamic forces; flight dynamics; materials for aerospace use; manufacturing processes; airport infrastructures and buildings. In addition to a specific knowledge and understanding of the specific aircraft and aero-engine technologies in each of the subjects included in this degree. RA2: Be able to identify aerospace engineering problems, recognise specifications, collect and interpret data and information, establish different resolution methods and select the most appropriate among the available alternatives. RA3: Be able to carry out designs in the field of aerospace vehicles, propulsion systems, navigation and air traffic control, airport infrastructures, or equipment and materials for aerospace use, which comply with the required specifications, collaborating with other engineers and graduates. RA4: Graduates will be able to carry out initial research methods approaches commensurate with their level of knowledge involving literature searches, design and execution of experiments, data interpretation, selection of the best proposal and computer simulation. RA5: Be able to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems and design devices or processes in the field of aerospace engineering in accordance with criteria of cost, quality, safety, efficiency and respect for the environment. RA6: Have the necessary skills for the practice of engineering in today's society.
Description of contents: programme
1. Introduction to Mechanics of Flight 1.1. Subject of Mechanics of Flight 1.2. Elements of the Aircraft 1.3. Aircraft Reference Geometry 1.4. Reference Frames 1.4.1. Basic Reference Frames 1.4.2. Transformations 1.5. Summary of vocabulary 2. Equations of Motion 2.1. Kinematics 2.2. Dynamics 2.3. External forces 2.3.1. Aerodynamic Terms 2.3.2. Propulsive Terms 2.4. Examples 3. Performances 3.1. Cruise condition. 3.1.1 Required thrust and power 3.1.2 Range and endurance. Control laws. 3.1.3 Flight Envelope 3.1.4 The Neutral Point 3.2. Flight in Vertical Plane 3.2.1 General Equations 3.2.2 Quasi-static approximation 3.2.3 Optimal maneuvers and control laws 3.2.3 Gliding performance 3.2.4 Range 3.3. Turning Flight 3.3.1 General Equations 3.3.2 Coordinated turn. Instrumentation. 3.3.3 Turning performances and control laws. 3.3.4 Flight Envelope 3.4. Takeoff and Landing 3.4.1 Basic definitions and legal framework 3.4.2 Takeoff Phases and modeling 3.4.3 Balanced Field Length 3.4.4 Landing Phases and modeling 3.5. Advanced Performanc Determination 3.5.1 Ground Effects 3.5.2 Performances and Flight Envelope at high speeds 3.5.3 Energy Methods
Learning activities and methodology
Theoretical sessions. Exercise sessions working individually and in groups. Laboratory sessions with simulation software.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 60
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 40

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Bernard Etkin and Lloyd D. Reid. . Dynamics of Flight. . Wiley.. 1996
  • Mario Asselin. An Introduction to Aircraft Performance.. AIAA Educational Series. 1997
  • Michael Cook. Flight Dynamic Principles. Butterworth-Heinemann. 2007
Additional Bibliography
  • Alfred Cotterill Kermode. Mechanics of Flight. Longman. 1996
  • Bandu N. Pamadi. Performance, Stability, Dynamics and Control of Airplanes. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.. 2004
  • Bernard Etkin. Dynamics of Atmosopheric Flight. Dover Publications. 2005
  • Francis J. Hale . Introduction to Aircraft Performance, Selection and Design. Wiley. 1984
  • Holt Ashley. Engineering Analysis of Flight Vehicles. Courier Dover Publications. 1992
  • Robert C. Nelson. Flight Stability and Automatic Control. WCB/McGraw Hill. 1998
  • Shiva Kumar Ojha. Flight Performance of Aircraft. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 1995
Recursos electrónicosElectronic Resources *
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The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.