Course detail

Flight Mechanics II

FSI-OMLAcad. year: 2025/2026

The classical theory of the stability and control of aircraft. Development of general equations of atmospheric aircraft motion. Classical small perturbation equations of motion. Aircraft state equations. Aerodynamic stability derivatives -meaning and estimation. Dynamic stability modes and their influence on aircraft handling. Longitudinal and lateral-directional stability of aircraft. Controllability and maneuverability. Trim. Requirements on the flying and handling qualities. Aircraft as a dynamic system.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Pavel Zikmund, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Aerospace Engineering (LÚ)

Entry knowledge

The basics of mathematics - differential and integral calculus, common differential equations. The basics of common mechanics ; force effect on a body, kinematics, dynamics.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The exam is written and oral, and the core of proving knowledge is based on a written exam, which consists of a part without aids (general theoretical knowledge) and a part of a given problem using aids (notes from lectures and exercises). Classification according to FSI Study and Examination Regulations.
Lectures are optional. Exercises are compulsory, and attendance (80% at the minimum) is controlled and recorded. The credit condition is finished project work focused on handling qualities of an aircraft. Individual tasks must be finished and handed in the credit week at the latest.

Aims

The goal is to explain the basic flight mechanics of atmospheric aircraft. Familiarizing students with the methods of calculation of stability and aircraft control. Students will also learn to judge the influence of aircraft design parameters on its flying characteristics.
Familiarizing with basic criteria for flying characteristics of an atmospheric aircraft. Qualitative and quantitative considering of flying handling characteristics, stability and controllability regarding the design and optimal use of an aircraft.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Cook,M.V. Flight Dynamics Principles. London: Arnold, 1997. 397 s. ISBN 0-470-23590-X. (EN)
Daněk,V. Mechanika letu II - Letové vlastnosti. Brno: Akademické nakladatelství CERM, 2011, 334 s. ISBN 978-80-7204-761-1. (CS)
Etkin,B.- Reid,L.D. Dynamics of Flight - Stability and Control, 3.vyd., New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996. 382 s. ISBN 0-471-03418-5. (EN)
McCormick,B.W. Aerodynamics,Aeronautics and Flight Mechanics. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979. 652 s. ISBN 0-471-03032-5. (EN)
Phillips, Warren F. Mechanics of flight. John Wiley & Sons, 2004. (EN)

Recommended reading

Cook,M.V. Flight Dynamics Principles. London: Arnold, 1997. 397 s. ISBN 0-470-23590-X. (EN)
Daněk,V. Mechanika letu II - Letové vlastnosti. Brno: Akademické nakladatelství CERM, 2011, 334 s. ISBN 978-80-7204-761-1. (CS)
Etkin,B.- Reid,L.D. Dynamics of Flight - Stability and Control, 3.vyd., New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996. 382 s. ISBN 0-471-03418-5. (EN)
Phillips, Warren F. Mechanics of flight. 2nd ed. Hoboken, N.J.: J. Wiley, c2010. ISBN 0470539755. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-LKT-P Master's

    specialization STL , 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Zikmund, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction. Basic definitions.
2. Longitudinal static stability of an aircraft.
3. Lateral-directional static stability of an aircraft.
4. Longitudinal static control and trim of airplane.
5. Longitudinal manoeuverability of an aircraft.
6. Lateral-directional static control of an aircraft.
7. Flight with asymmetric thrust. Minimum control airspeed.
8. Lateral-directional manoeuverability of an aircraft.
9. General equations of airplane total motion.
10.Linearized perturbation equations of motion for the solution of dynamic stability.
11.Longitudinal dynamic stability with fixed-control. Short-period and phugoid motion.
12.Lateral-directional dynamic stability. Spiral and Dutch roll motion.
13.Special flight regimes. Stall and spin characteristic.

Exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Pavel Zikmund, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Estimation of aerodynamic derivatives of the selected aircraft.
2. Estimation of aerodynamic derivatives of the selected aircraft.
3. Calculation of aerodynamic characteristics in XFLR5 or AVL software.
4. Calculation of aerodynamic characteristics in XFLR5 or AVL software.
5. Aircraft lift curve calculation.
6. Aircraft moment curve calculation.
7. Control force gradient calculation.
8. Control force gradient calculation.
9. Control force per g calculation.
10.Calculation of longitudinal dynamic stability - fast oscillations.
11.Calculation of longitudinal dynamic stability - phugoid oscillations.
12.Calculation of lateral dynamic stability - spiral motion.
13.Calculation of lateral dynamic stability - Dutch roll.