Course detail
Flight Mechanics II
FSI-OML Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester
The classical theory of the stability and control of aircraft. Development of general equations of atmospheric aircraft motion. Classical small perturbation equations of motion. Aircraft state equations. Aerodynamic stability derivatives -meaning and estimation. Dynamic stability modes and their influence on aircraft handling. Longitudinal and lateral-directional stability of aircraft. Controllability and maneuverability. Trim. Requirements on the flying and handling qualities. Aircraft as a dynamic system.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
5
Supervisor
Department
Entry knowledge
The basics of mathematics – differential and integral calculus, common differential equations. The basics of common mechanics ; force effect on a body, kinematics, dynamics.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
The exam is written and oral, and the core of proving knowledge is based on a written exam, which consists of a part without aids (general theoretical knowledge) and a part of a given problem using aids (notes from lectures and exercises). Classification according to FSI Study and Examination Regulations.
Lectures are optional. Exercises are compulsory, and attendance (80% at the minimum) is controlled and recorded. The credit condition is finished project work focused on handling qualities of an aircraft. Individual tasks must be finished and handed in the credit week at the latest.
Aims
The goal is to explain the basic flight mechanics of atmospheric aircraft. Familiarizing students with the methods of calculation of stability and aircraft control. Students will also learn to judge the influence of aircraft design parameters on its flying characteristics.
Familiarizing with basic criteria for flying characteristics of an atmospheric aircraft. Qualitative and quantitative considering of flying handling characteristics, stability and controllability regarding the design and optimal use of an aircraft.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-LKT-P: Aerospace Technology , Master's
specialization STL: Aircraft Design, compulsory
Type of course unit
Lecture
39 hours, optionally
Syllabus
1. Introduction. Basic definitions.
2. Longitudinal static stability of an aircraft.
3. Lateral-directional static stability of an aircraft.
4. Longitudinal static control and trim of airplane.
5. Longitudinal manoeuverability of an aircraft.
6. Lateral-directional static control of an aircraft.
7. Flight with asymmetric thrust. Minimum control airspeed.
8. Lateral-directional manoeuverability of an aircraft.
9. General equations of airplane total motion.
10.Linearized perturbation equations of motion for the solution of dynamic stability.
11.Longitudinal dynamic stability with fixed-control. Short-period and phugoid motion.
12.Lateral-directional dynamic stability. Spiral and Dutch roll motion.
13.Special flight regimes. Stall and spin characteristic.
Exercise
13 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
1. Estimation of aerodynamic derivatives of the selected aircraft.
2. Estimation of aerodynamic derivatives of the selected aircraft.
3. Calculation of aerodynamic characteristics in XFLR5 or AVL software.
4. Calculation of aerodynamic characteristics in XFLR5 or AVL software.
5. Aircraft lift curve calculation.
6. Aircraft moment curve calculation.
7. Control force gradient calculation.
8. Control force gradient calculation.
9. Control force per g calculation.
10.Calculation of longitudinal dynamic stability – fast oscillations.
11.Calculation of longitudinal dynamic stability – phugoid oscillations.
12.Calculation of lateral dynamic stability – spiral motion.
13.Calculation of lateral dynamic stability – Dutch roll.