Module Details

Module Code: AVIA H4604
Module Title: Aircraft Stability and Control
Title: Aircraft Stability and Control
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 of aircraft stability and control, and how to apply techniques to predict and analyse an aircraft's stability, control and handling characteristics.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Recognise the aircraft design characteristics that influence its stability and control properties.
LO2 Formulate the equations of motion for an aircraft in 2D flight, with focus on the stability and control derivatives.
LO3 Numerically predict and analyse the static and dynamic stability of an aircraft.
LO4 Analyse the operation and performance of a feedback control system 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
Flight Mechanics review
• ISA • equations of motion • drag performance.
Equations of Motion
• axis systems • equations of motion • linearisation • decoupling.
Stability and Control
• fundamentals of stability and control • aircraft static and dynamic stability • contribution of aircraft components to stability and control • trim • aircraft static and dynamic stability • longitudinal, lateral and directional stability • stick fixed and stick free • neutral point • stability augmentation • aircraft modes of motion.
Stability and Control Derivatives
• longitudinal derivatives • lateral derivatives • nondimensionalisation.
Control Systems
• fundamentals as applied to aircraft • open and closed loop systems • reasons for using feedback • applications of feedback control to aircraft systems • state space representation.
Mathematical Modelling
• use of differential equations • use of Laplace Transforms • aircraft system transfer functions • poles and zeros • block diagrams • SISO and MIMO systems.
Time and Frequency Response
• transient and steady state responses • first and higher order responses • time delay • time response specifications • frequency response specifications • system gain in dB • bandwidth • bode plots • root locus method.
Sensitivity
• open and closed loop systems • parameter variations • disturbance rejection • sensitivity functions.
Flying and Handling Qualities
• assessment of flying and handling qualities • aircraft natural modes • stability augmentation systems.
Flight Testing
• flight testing in a simulator • flight testing in a real live aircraft • flight test data capture and analysis.
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: static and dynamic stability analysis; computer simulation tools and mathematical modelling; real time flight analysis. A number of these laboratory sessions may take place in a simulated and/or 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
  • Bernard Etkin,Lloyd Duff Reid. (1995), Dynamics of Flight: Stability & Control, Wiley, p.400, [ISBN: 9780471034186].
  • M. V. Cook. (2013), Flight Dynamics Principles, Butterworth-Heinemann, p.575, [ISBN: 9780080982427].
  • Rama K. Yedavalli. (2020), Flight Dynamics and Control of Aero and Space Vehicles, John Wiley & Sons, p.560, [ISBN: 9781118934456].
  • Robert C. Nelson. (1998), Flight Stability and Automatic Control, McGraw-Hill Science Engineering, p.441, [ISBN: 9780070462731].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • R. H. Barnard,D. R. Philpott. (2010), Aircraft Flight, Pearson Education, p.375, [ISBN: 9780273730989].
  • John David Anderson (Jr.). (2015), Introduction to Flight, 8th ed.. Mc Graw Hill Education, [ISBN: 9789814636186].
  • R.C. Dorf & R.H. Bishop. Modern control systems, Reading, Mass. ; Addison-Wesley, c1998., [ISBN: 0201326779].
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: