Module Details

Module Code: AVIA H4601
Module Title: Flight Mechanics
Title: Flight Mechanics
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Edmond Tobin
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the fundamental theories that form the basis of evaluating an aircraft's performance, and apply techniques to predict and analyse performance in various stages of flight.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess the atmospheric properties that influence aircraft performance.
LO2 Formulate the equations of motion for an aircraft in 2D flight.
LO3 Apply mathematical models to different phases of flight, and identify the inherent assumptions and limitations.
LO4 Analyse aircraft performance predictions using computer simulation techniques.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
The ISA
• relative density, pressure and temperature • the equation of state • the hydrostatic equation • Mach number, equivalent airspeed, calibrated airspeed, true airspeed.
Weight Performance
• aircraft mass estimation • wing loading • range and endurance calculations.
Drag
• maximum lift to drag ratio • minimum drag and minimum power airspeeds • plot the Drag Polar (Appendix 2 to CS23).
Engine Performance
• general engine performance • determine fuel flows and specific fuel values • derive and calculate the propulsive efficiency • understand thrust and power characteristics.
Performance
• aircraft ceiling • important airspeeds • limiting factors on flight envelopes (CS23.333) • corner velocities • accelerated stall lines • structural limits • cruise performance • specific range and endurance • take-off distance (CS23.59) • landing distance (CS23.75).
Manoeuvres
• stall speed (CS23.39) • speed stability • load factor • max load factor in a turn (V-N Diagram) (CS23.337) • climbing flight • turning performance • gliding performance.
Mathematical Modelling
• mathematical modelling • simulation • performance prediction • performance analysis.
Flight Testing
• flight testing in a simulator • flight testing in a real live aircraft • flight test planning • test data capture • performance prediction.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Practical30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be expected to sit one or more individual written assessments throughout the academic year, typically at the conclusion of one or more learning outcomes.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will carry out a number of laboratory sessions throughout the academic year to enhance their understanding of the module, and will produce written reports describing each one. Laboratory practical work will include investigation of the following topics: flight performance estimation and analysis; computer simulation tools and mathematical modelling; real time flight analysis. It is envisaged that a number of these laboratory sessions will take place in both a simulated and a live aircraft flight environment.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will sit a formal written examination at the end of the semester.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Direct learner contact time covering lectures and tutorials. 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Laboratory Contact Direct learner contact time covering laboratory exercises. 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Reviewing content covered, researching additional material to support delivered content and practical work. 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John David Anderson (Jr.). (2015), Introduction to Flight, 8th ed.. Mc Graw Hill Education, [ISBN: 9789814636186].
  • M. V. Cook. (2013), Flight Dynamics Principles, Butterworth-Heinemann, p.575, [ISBN: 9780080982427].
  • Thomas R. Yechout,Steven L. Morris,David E. Bossert,Wayne F. Hallgren,James K. Hall. (2014), Introduction to Aircraft Flight Mechanics, 2nd. American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics, p.700, [ISBN: 9781624102547].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • N. Harris McClamroch. Steady Aircraft Flight and Performance, 1. [ISBN: 9781680159097].
  • Alfred Cotterill Kermode,R. H. Barnard,D. R. Philpott. (2006), Mechanics of Flight, Prentice Hall, p.500, [ISBN: 9781405823593].
  • Warren F. Phillips. (2010), Mechanics of Flight, John Wiley & Sons Incorporated, p.1138, [ISBN: 9780470539750].
  • Robert C. Nelson. (1998), Flight Stability and Automatic Control, McGraw-Hill Science Engineering, p.441, [ISBN: 9780070462731].
  • Maido Saarlas. (2007), Aircraft Performance, John Wiley & Sons, p.282, [ISBN: 9780470044162].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Cooper, G.E., and Harper, R.P.. (1969), The Use of Pilot Rating in the Evaluation of Aircraft Handling Qualities, NASA Technical Note, NASA-TN-D-5153.
Other Resources
Discussion Note: