Module Title:Flight Dynamics and Control
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: The module will be delivered using lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions to illustrate the concepts under study
Module Aim: The aim of the module is the appraisal of an aircraft’s performance and stability, in particular: • analysis of the performance of an aircraft. • analysis of the behaviour and control of dynamic systems. • design of control strategies to modify the responses of dynamic systems
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Numerically analyse the performance and stability of an aircraft
LO2 Analyse the operation and performance of a feedback control system
LO3 Develop a mathematical model for commonly encountered engineering components and systems
LO4 Specify the performance characteristics of a control system
LO5 Design a control strategy in order to achieve the required system specifications
LO6 Recognise the importance of stability in feedback control
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Flight Dynamics Part A:
n/a
Review of Flight Mechanics and the ISA
Calculate relative density, relative pressure and relative temperature. Understand the Equation of state and Hydrostatic Equation  Calculate Mach Number, Equivalent Airspeed, Calibrate Airspeed, True Airspeed
Weight Performance
Calculate wing loading. Estimate the weight of an aircraft. Performance Range –v- Payload calculations
Drag
Calculate the maximum lift to drag ratio. Calculate the minimum drag speed. Plot the Drag Polar (Appendix 2 to CS23)
Engine Performance
Describe the Engine Flight Envelope Understand what effects General Engine Performance Determine fuel flows and specific fuel values. Derive and Calculate the propulsive Efficiency; Understand the thrust characteristics;
Performance
Determine and aircraft's Absolute Ceiling; Calculate and aircraft’s Optimal Speeds; Describe the Limiting factors on Flight Envelopes (CS23.333); Corner Velocities; Accelerated Stall lines; Structural limits; Calculate the Specific Range, Specific Endurance, Utilise the Breguet Range equations; Calculate take-off distance (CS23.59); Calculate landing distance (CS23.75);
Manoeuvres
Calculate the stall speed. (CS23.39); Describe Speed stability; Calculate the max load factor in a turn (V-N Diagram) (CS23.337); Calculate the rate of turn; Calculate the minimum drag speed; Gliding; Landing;
Maintenance Test Flights
Requirement for test / check flights (M.A.708); Flight test schedule; Briefing the flight crew;
Control Systems Part B:
n/a
Review of control systems
Reasons for using feedback; Applications of feedback control to aircraft systems; The design process;
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematical modelling; Use of differential equations; Use of Laplace Transforms; Use of Matrices; Aircraft system transfer functions; Poles and zeros; Disturbance modelling; Aircraft and aircraft systems; Experimental methods; Block diagrams; Block diagram reduction; Disturbance inputs; Signal flow graphs;
Time response
Transient and steady state responses; First and higher order responses; Time delay; Specifications;
Frequency response
Frequency response specifications; System gain in dB; Bandwidth; Effect of system order; Resonance; Frequency response diagrams; Bode diagrams. First & higher order systems; Pure time delay; Closed loop frequency responses;
Servo Systems
Components of a servo control system; Aircraft system responses to standard inputs and disturbance inputs; Design examples and component selection; Application areas – Aircraft systems;
Aircraft Stability and Control
Analysis of system stability; Static and dynamic stability of aircraft; Contribution of aircraft components; Predict the lateral and longitudinal stability of an aircraft. (CS 23.173) Predict the directional, lateral and longitudinal dynamic stability . (CS 23.181); Determine the neutral point;
Sensitivity
Open and closed loop systems; Parameter variations; Sensitivity functions;
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment15.00%
Practical15.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Examination Students will be expected to sit a number of individual written assessments throughout the academic year, typically at the conclusion of one or more learning outcomes 1 5.00 Week 10
Examination Students will be expected to sit a number of individual written assessments throughout the academic year, typically at the conclusion of one or more learning outcomes 2,3,4,5,6 7.50 Week 24
Project Students will be required to undertake a short research project to examine the performance of aircraft. 1 2.50 n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will carry out a number of laboratory sessions throughout the academic year and will produce written reports describing each one. Students will be assigned to groups for the execution of the laboratory practical work but reports must be submitted on an individual basis. Laboratory practical work will investigate the following topics: o Control of servo mechanisms. o Computer simulation tools o Flight Stability 1,2,3,4,5,6 15.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam n/a 1,2,3,4,5,6 70.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 3.50
Laboratory Every Week 0.50
Independent Learning Time Every Week 2.50
Total Hours 6.50