In flight mechanics and aerodynamics, the “pitching moment coefficient” (Cm or Cmα) is a dimensionless parameter that describes the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on an aircraft’s longitudinal axis (pitching axis) due to changes in its angle of attack (α). It is an important parameter used to understand an aircraft’s stability and control characteristics.
Where:
- is the coefficient of the normalized pitching moment generated by the control surfaces.
- is the pitching moment generated by the control surfaces.
- is the air density.
- is the velocity of the aircraft.
- is the wing area.
- is the mean aerodynamic chord.