In flight mechanics, the “moment about the center of gravity” refers to the turning or rotational force acting on an aircraft about its center of gravity (CG). This moment is also known as the “pitching moment” or “pitching torque” because it specifically relates to the aircraft’s pitch motion, which involves nose-up or nose-down rotation.
- Mcgp: The moment about the center of gravity (also known as the pitching moment or pitching torque) of the aircraft. It measures the tendency of the aircraft to rotate in pitch (upward or downward rotation).
- T: Thrust produced by the aircraft’s engines. Thrust is a force generated by the engines in the direction of the aircraft’s flight.
- Zp: The lever arm or moment arm of the thrust vector about the center of gravity. It represents the distance between the center of gravity and the line of action of the thrust force.