Module Code - Title:
ME4726
-
FLIGHT MECHANICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
ME4424
ME4412
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the student to aircraft performance and the static and dynamic stability and control of aircraft.
Syllabus:
International Standard Atmosphere, Aircraft speed and height conventions
Aircraft engine thrust and drag characteristics, parabolic drag polar.
Aircraft performance in steady, climbing and turning flight
Range and endurance equations (including Breguet equations) for piston and turbine powered aircraft.
Prediction of takeoff and landing distances.
Longitudinal static stability, stick-fixed and stick-free stability margins.
Manoeuvre point and manoeuvre margin.
Introduction to dynamic stability, stability modes
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module students, students should be able to:
1. Use the International Standard Atmosphere.
2. Conduct aircraft performance analyses relating to takeoff & land, turning, level, climb and descending flight.
3. Analyse the range and endurance of aircraft.
4. Understand the concept of longitudinal static stability as applied to conventional aeroplanes.
5. Have an appreciation of dynamic stability (introductory level).
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
none
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
none
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Normal lectures and tutorials will be used. Students will undertake a series of in-flight laboratories, during which elements of airplane performance and stability will be measured and demonstrated.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Mair, W.A. & Birdsall, L.B. (1992)
Aircraft performance
, Cambridge
Russell, J (1996)
Performance & stability of aircraft
, Arnold
Kermode, A.C. (1996)
Mechanics of flight, 10th ed.
, Prentice Hall
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
trevor.young@ul.ie