15623 - Flight Mechanics

Learning outcomes

Starting from the main results of aircraft subsonic aerodynamics, fundamental problems of jet and propeller aircraft performance are carried out for nominal flight conditions (steady level flight, climb, gliding, and steady turn). Longitudinal, lateral and directional static stability and controllability issues are also addressed.

Course contents

Introductory topics

Course introduction. Reference atmospheric models. Review of subsonic aerodynamic, propulsive, and gravitational forces. Drag polar and aerodynamic efficiency. Reference frames and 3 DOF point-mass model equations. 

Aircraft Performance

Gliding performance. Steady level flight aircraft performance: range and endurance analysis for jet and propeller aircraft. Climb and descent performance. Steady turn. Perfect loop maneuver. Take-off and landing. Review of take-off and landing devices.

Aircraft stability, controllability, and maneuverability

Introduction to aircraft stability. Longitudinal static stability: neutral point. Longitudinal controllability and maneuvering point. Directional and lateral stability. Fundamentals of aircraft dynamics.

Readings/Bibliography

Casarosa, Carlo, Meccanica del volo. Pisa: Pisa University Press, 2014.

Quarta, Alessandro A., Esercizi di meccanica del volo. Pisa: ETS, 2011.

Class notes available on 'https://virtuale.unibo.it/' web page.

Teaching methods

Class lectures.

Numerical exercises and simulations.

Educational visits.

Assessment methods

One final exam that includes:

1) N.10 multiple choice questions (20 min),

2) N.2 numerical exercises on aircraft performance and stability analysis (70 min),

3) N.1 oral open-answer questions (30 min).

Teaching tools

Flight simulation softwares.

Tools for symbolic and numerical calculus.

Sample videos and pictures.

Office hours

See the website of Emanuele Luigi De Angelis

See the website of Fabrizio Giulietti