Flight Dynamics and Control

Code School Level Credits Semesters
AERO2003 School of Aerospace 2 20 Full year China
Code
AERO2003
School
School of Aerospace
Level
2
Credits
20
Semesters
Full year China

Summary

Building on H41DF1 this module covers the dynamics of point masses and rigid bodies. It considers both motion in an inertia frame, as well as in a moving reference frame. The principals of linearization of a nonlinear dynamical system are demonstrated and basic characteristics of linear systems are introduced. Flight mechanics is progressed through the development of equations of motion for rigid aircraft. Ideas of equilibrium and trim are captured by determining the steady control inputs needed to fly simple steady trajectories. Based on the nonlinear equations, linearization about a trimmed point are considered, as well as the linear dynamic response of an aircraft and basic flight control.

Re-assessment
Students who fail this module overall and are required to complete a re-assessment will be re-assessed by exam. The re-assessment exam mark alone will be used to determine whether students satisfy progression requirements.

Target Students

Students must be on one of the Aerospace Engineering courses H402, H40A, H400, H40B.

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

This module aims to introduce concepts of rigid body dynamics and vibrations, anddevelop the student's ability to analyse these aspects in simplified engineeringsituations, as well as in analysing rigid aircraft dynamics.

Learning Outcomes

LO1 - Define and characterise the dynamic response of aircraft. (AHEP 1)

LO2 - Represent and analyse an aerospace system in linearized form. (AHEP 2)

LO3 - Conduct practical investigations of aircraft dynamics to accurately characterise flight modes. (AHEP 12)

LO4 - Demonstrate understanding of control system theory when applied to aerospace related problems. (AHEP 1)

LO5 - Use the principles of control theory to construct analyses of aerospace systems to achieve desirable response characteristics. (AHEP 2)

Conveners

Conveners unspecified.
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Last updated 09/01/2025.