Author name: Kalpana Southri

It is defined as the angle between the chord line of the airfoil and the direction of the oncoming air. α: Angle of Attack The angle of attack (α) is the angle between the oncoming air (relative wind) and the chord line of an airfoil (e.g., wing, airfoil, or other lifting surfaces) on an aircraft. […]

The total pitching moment coefficient (Cm) in flight mechanics is a dimensionless aerodynamic coefficient that describes the pitching moment or rotational force around the aircraft’s center of gravity (CG). It is a critical parameter in understanding the stability and control characteristics of an aircraft, particularly with regard to its longitudinal or pitch stability. Cmcgf: This

In flight mechanics and aerospace engineering, the moment (M) about the center of gravity (cg) of an aircraft refers to the rotational force or torque that acts on the aircraft, causing it to rotate or change its orientation. Moments are crucial for understanding the aircraft’s stability, control, and overall behavior in flight. Mcgt: This likely

In flight mechanics, the total drag coefficient (often denoted as “CD” or “Cdt”) represents the combined effect of various drag components acting on an aircraft in a specific configuration and flight condition. It quantifies the total drag force experienced by the aircraft relative to its dynamic pressure. Cdw: This represents the total drag coefficient for

The period of the Dutch roll in flight mechanics is a measure of the time it takes for an aircraft to complete one full oscillation or cycle of a lateral and directional stability mode known as the “Dutch roll.” This oscillatory motion is characterized by alternating sideslip and roll motions, where the aircraft rolls to

The pitch moment of inertia is defined as the sum of the products of each small mass element in the aircraft and the square of its perpendicular distance from the pitch axis. ib: This represents the pitch moment of inertia, which is a measure of an aircraft’s resistance to changes in pitch motion. It quantifies

In flight mechanics, trim velocity refers to the airspeed at which an aircraft can maintain straight and level flight without any changes in altitude or attitude (pitch, roll, or yaw) when specific control inputs are set to neutral or trimmed positions. Essentially, it’s the speed at which the forces and moments on the aircraft are

In flight mechanics, the rate of change of the longitudinal aerodynamic force concerning airspeed is known as the “aerodynamic drag polar” or “drag curve.” This concept describes how the aerodynamic drag force experienced by an aircraft changes as its airspeed (or velocity) varies. The aerodynamic drag polar is usually represented graphically with drag force (X)

The rate of change of the vertical aerodynamic force (lift) concerning airspeed (u₀) in flight mechanics is known as the “lift curve slope” or simply “lift slope.” It is denoted by the symbol “dL/du₀” or “dL/du” and represents how much the lift force changes for a small change in airspeed. Zu=-2g/u0 Z_u: This represents the

In flight mechanics, the maximum change in kinetic energy (ΔKE_max) refers to the maximum alteration in an aircraft’s kinetic energy due to variations in its airspeed or velocity. ΔKE_max: This represents the maximum change in kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy associated with an object’s motion and is calculated as (1/2) * m *