93848 - Atmospheric Flight Dynamics

Learning outcomes

Starting from the six degrees-of-freedom equations of motion, fundamentals of aircraft longitudinal and lateral-directional dynamics are addressed. Relationship between geometric, inertial and aerodynamic features to pilot commands and external disturbances are highlighted.

Course contents

INTRODUCTORY TOPICS

Reference Frames, Attitude representation, Euler Angles, Rotation matrices, Rigid Body equations of motion.

FIXED WING AIRCRAFT DYNAMICS 

Aircraft external efforts: gravitational, propulsive and aerodynamic forces and moments, wind gusts and turbulence Aircraft dynamics linearisation, Stability derivatives, Decoupled Lon-lat models Longitudinal dynamics: Short Period, Phugoid Modes Lateral-directional dynamics: DR, Roll, Spiral Modes. Roll/yaw coupling

ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT DYNAMICS

Rotary Wing aircraft layout. Fundamentals of rotor dynamics. Helicopters and multi-rotor aircraft modelling and simulation. 

AIRCRAFT&ROTORCRAFT FEEDBACK CONTROL

Block diagrams, transfer function Laplace transforms, 1 & 2 order systems theory Root Locus, Bode Diagrams, Gain and Phase margin technique Introduction to atmospheric fligth control systems: SAS, CSAS, Autopilot schemes HQ, handling qualities Aircraft Longitudinal Control: Pitch Damper, Attitude Control, Flight Path Autopilots (speed & altitude) Aircraft Lat/Dir Control: Roll&Yaw Dampers, Turn Coordination, Flight Path Autopilots (heading) Human pilot in the Loop Multirotors feedback control (with practical sessions)

Readings/Bibliography

1] McLean, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Prentice Hall

2] Ashkenas, Aircraft Dynamics and Automatic Control, Wiley

3] Ogata, Modern Control Engineering, Wiley

4] Stevens and Lewis, Aircraft Simulation and Control

Teaching methods

Class Lectures

Matlab/Simulink workshops

Flight experience with instructor

Assessment methods

1] Multiple choice questions (20')

2] Written exams with theory and exercises (1h 20')

3] Practical session with simulation software with oral discussion (1h 15')

Teaching tools

Software simulation models for atmospheric flight dynamics assessment and control system design.

Class lecture notes will be uploaded (.pdf files) on Insegnamenti on Line platform.

Office hours

See the website of Fabrizio Giulietti