Flight Mechanics - From Theory to Certification of Aircraft

This course starts with a theoretical overview of 3D equations of motion applied for aircraft simulations. In this initial topic, a classical mechanics overview with a review of aerodynamics will provide the theoretical base for the second section. The student will understand how to interpret the aerodynamic derivatives and a discussion on typical values for each aerodynamic derivative will be done.

In the second section, we will cover Matlab & Simulink Intro and start the modeling of a generic complete aircraft. This final model will be used for trim analysis, aircraft dynamic modes estimation, simulation and can also be used for control law design, flight control sizing and design and many more. You can also try to modify the aerodynamic and mass data to analyze your own aircraft designs.

A new lecture helps you further investigate your design handling qualities. We'll connect MATLAB/SIMULINK to a flight simulation tool, and with a USB Joystick, you'll be able to fly your designs and check if the adjustments you propose will enhance your aircraft.

NEW CONTENT ADDED IN OCT. 2023 - FLIGHT TEST MATCHING

This new lecture uses MATLAB optimizer functions to adjust the aerodynamic coefficients in order to have a simulation model that reflects what is observed in flight tests, this process is called matching. Two examples are provided, a dutch roll and a stall test.

Finally, in the last section, we will cover the process for Part 25 aircraft certification. If you don't know what Part 25 is, don't worry, together we will learn all aspects of current regulations. We will cover all the way from understanding the requirements and how to demonstrate compliance with them up to the flight test campaign and maneuvers used in real aircraft certification regarding flying qualities.

This course is filled with real examples and is a more hands-on approach for a flight mechanics engineer.

* ALL MATLAB SCRIPTS AND FILES USED IN THE LESSONS ARE PROVIDED IN THE COURSE.