Unit Information
In this unit students will further develop their knowledge of engineering dynamics and its application in aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on vibrations, aeroelasticity and aircraft flight dynamics.
Using Newton and Lagrange methods, students will model and analyse basic vibration phenomena and properties of single and two-degree-of-freedom vibrating systems. The understanding of these fundamental concepts also provides an introduction to aeroelastic phenomena such as aircraft flutter.
Further, students will learn to describe the equation of motion for a rigid body aircraft, understanding the influence of aerodynamic and inertial terms and how the equations may be simplified for the purposes of classical linear analysis. This enables students to establish conditions for static flight balance and flight stability. Flight recordings obtained from the University of Bristol glider provide a source of data for students to analyse and evaluate.
Your learning on this unit
On successful completion of the unit the student will be able to:
derive the equations of motion of single and two degree-of-freedom mechanical and aeroelastic systems;
describe the equations of motion for a rigid body aircraft, understanding how these may be simplified for the purposes of classical linear analysis;
perform eigenvalue (modal), free, forced and basic stability analyses of the modelled vibratory systems and calculate their dynamic characteristics;
explain and apply the concepts of aircraft flight balance, flight stability and the standard aircraft modes of motion;
evaluate and modify dynamic performance of real or virtual vibrating systems through application of signal processing, computer-assisted investigation and formal dynamic design methods;
evaluate flight simulation data, linking aircraft time histories to flight handling qualities.
