Part A – Balance and Stability
(1)
1) In your own words explain the difference between ‘Static Stability’ and ‘Balance’ as it
applies to a classical aircraft configuration in flight, making reference to Equation 1
where appropriate.
10 marks
2) Explain the importance of positioning the aircraft centre of gravity, and define both
neutral point and static margin. Please make reference to Equation 1 and explain
how it can be linked to longitudinal stability.
10 marks
3) Show how relationships derived from Equation 1 can be used in flight-testing in
order to demonstrate longitudinal static stability. Why might these relationships be
useful?
10 marks
Part B – Aircraft Modes and Equations of Motion
4) Describe the five modes of motion that are found in the analysis of a conventional
aircraft configuration. These must be in your own words, and please provide a
sketch showing where you would expect to find them on a complex plane.
10 marks
5) Explain how these five modes can be linked to handling qualities and how these can
be assessed using flight simulators. Include in your answer reference to the CooperHarper
scale and how this might be used.
10 marks
6) Provide a short description of the full rigid body, nonlinear equations of motion used
for flight dynamics analysis. Include in your answer brief explanations of the key
parts of the equations. You may choose to include part or all of the equations in your
description if you wish.
10 marks
University of Bristol Second Year Flight Dynamics Assignment
Department of Aerospace Engineering
2
7) Provide an explanation of the aerodynamic derivatives that are used in the small
perturbation equations. Within your answer, include definitions and brief
explanations for at least six examples.
10 marks
Part C – Flight Simulation
8) Provide a short description of the behaviour of the aircraft response in simulation
for each aircraft mode. How well does this match with what you were expecting
from Part A?
10 marks
9) For those modes where you have saved flight data, plot appropriate graphs using
Matlab for your report, and for those which you do not, provide a sketch of each
response.
10 marks
10) For the oscillatory modes provide any relevant parameters you can identify from
your results.
10 marks
