SD2805 Flight Mechanics 9.0 credits
Many different types of forces act on an aircraft. Aerodynamics give rise to lift and drag, the engine gives thrust; different control surfaces are used to vary these forces to control the aircraft in flight. Flight mechanics is about simulating the aircraft's motion in the atmosphere and how its configuration affects stability and control.
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Application
For course offering
Spring 2025 Start 14 Jan 2025 programme students
Application code
61259
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course is based on lectures, the contents of which are applied in wind-tunnel testing and during computer labs. The exercises are performed in groups but the results must be presented individually. The first assignment in the course is a short introduction to Matlab, since the main part of the analysis is performed in this program. Here you can build your own "toolbox" to use in the successive assignments.
Parallel to the lectures you apply the theory in different labs where you also have to use your knowledge from earlier courses in aeronautics, solid mechanics, numerical methods and linear algebra. The course treats general equations of motion for aerial vehicles, models of aircraft and the atmosphere, and conditions for equilibrium. Thereafter linearization and solution of equations of motion. This forms the basis for analysis of trajectories, modes of motion as well as control analysis and synthesis. The course also gives an orientation on sensors and actuators.
Intended learning outcomes
The overall objectives of the course are that you should be able to:
- formulate equations of motion for an aircraft in atmospheric flight,
- motivate the assumptions made to simplify a flight mechanics problem,
- analyze equilibrium and stability for an aircraft,
- explain the basic modes of motion and related mechanisms of an aircraft,
- design a basic control system using simplified equations of motion,
- perform simple trajectory calculations by integrating the equations of motion in time,
- present your results in a well written report.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
SD2601 Fundamentals of Flight or permission from the coordinator.
English B / English 6
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- PRO1 - Project, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Laboratory work (LAB1; 3 university credits)
Written exam (TEN1; 3 university credits)
Project assignment (PRO1; 3 university credits)
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
SD2810 Aeroelasticity.