Syllabus

AEM 4303

Flight Dynamics and Control

3 Credits

 

Catalog Description:

 

Reference frames, kinematics, equations of motion for a rigid body. Forces and moments, trim, linearization, dynamic response characteristics for aircraft and spacecraft. Aircraft stability derivatives, longitudinal and lateral stability.  Handling qualities. Phugoid, short period, spiral, roll subsidence, and Dutch roll modes; approximations; transfer functions. Space craft attitude control. Wind tunnel and MATLAB/SIMULINK lab assignments and reports.

 

Course Web Address:

 

http://www.aem.umn.edu/courses/aem4303/

 

Prerequisites by Topic:

 

1.     Flight Dynamics (AEM 2301)

2.     Differential Equations (MATH 2243)

 

Text:

 

Introduction to Aircraft Flight Mechanics, Thomas R. Yechout et al, AIAA Education Series, 2003.

 

Format of Course:

 

3 hours of lecture per week

 

Computer Usage:

 

MatLab/Simulink

 

Course Objectives:

 

Develop an understanding of the rigid body equations of motion of aerospace vehicles, longitudinal and lateral stability control of aircraft, mathematical modeling of aerospace vehicles, aircraft flying qualities, space craft attitude control.  Develop an ability to use computational tools to model aerospace vehicle dynamics. 

 

Course Outcomes:

 

Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate the following outcomes by tests, homework, and written reports:

 

1.     An understanding of mathematical modeling of the dynamics of aerospace vehicles

2.     An understanding of the static stability of aircraft

3.     An understanding of the dynamics response of aircraft.

4.     An understanding of the flying qualities of aircraft

5.     The ability to use computational tools to model aircraft and spacecraft dynamics

6.     An understanding of space craft attitude control

 

Relationship of course to program objectives:

 

This course develops topics in aircraft stability and control and feedback control of space craft. It provides a broad background in aerospace engineering. It introduces essential tools and problem solving techniques and helps to produce graduates who can be successful in graduate level work.

 

Relationship of course to program outcomes:

 

This course provides the following outcomes:

 

1.     Apply mathematics  

2.     Design and conduct experiments

3.     System design

4.     Identify engineering problems

5.     Communication skills

6.     Lifelong learning

7.     Engineering tools

8.     Aerodynamics

9.     Flight mechanics

10. Stability and control

11. Other space

 

Course Outline:

 

 

Outcome Measurement:

 

Accomplished through homework, periodic exams, a final exam, and laboratory and simulation project reports.

 

Go-No-Goes:

 

The go-no-goes for this course are the lab and simulation reports, which must be passed for the student to pass the course.

 

Student Survey Questions:

 

This course improved my ability to do the following:

 

1.      Apply knowledge of math, science and engineering.

2.      Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.

3.      Communicate effectively.

4.      Be aware of contemporary issues.

5.      Use modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

 

Please answer the following questions regarding this course:

 

6.      The textbook was a useful reference and appropriate for the course.

7.      The level of work required in this course was appropriate for the credit given.

8.      The homework helped me understand static stability of aircraft.

9.      The homework helped me understand the dynamic response of aircraft.

10.  The homework helped me understand the feedback control of space craft.

11.  The laboratory helped me understand aerodynamic coefficients.

12.  The laboratory helped me understand static longitudinal stability of aircraft.

13.  The  laboratory improved my ability to see the relationship between mathematical analyses and experimental observations.

14.  The simulation project was interesting and appropriate for the course

15.  The simulation project helped me understand computer modeling of the dynamic response of aerospace vehicles.

16.  The simulation project helped me to understand feedback control.

17.  The demonstration enhanced my understanding of space craft control.

19. The reports improved my ability in written technical communications.

 

Last modified:

 

2007-6-14