Author name: Kalpana Southri

In flight mechanics, the parasite drag coefficient (CD0​) refers to a dimensionless parameter that quantifies the contribution of various non-lift-producing components and factors to the overall drag experienced by an aircraft in steady, level flight. Parasite drag is the form of drag that arises from sources other than the production of lift, and it includes […]

The “change in the parameter” in flight mechanics refers to the difference between the initial value and the final value of a certain parameter that characterizes the behavior of an aircraft. This parameter could be an angle, a force, a moment, a velocity, or any other relevant quantity. Δϕ represents the change in the parameter.

In flight mechanics, the “change in velocity” refers to the difference between an aircraft’s initial velocity and its final velocity. Velocity is a vector quantity that describes both the speed and the direction of an object’s motion. The change in velocity takes into account both the magnitude and direction of the velocity change. Δv represents

In flight mechanics, eigenvalues associated with the lateral dynamics of an aircraft are values that describe the behavior of the aircraft’s lateral motion in response to perturbations or disturbances. The lateral dynamics pertain to the aircraft’s side-to-side motion, such as rolling and yawing. λ could represent an eigenvalue associated with the lateral dynamics of the

In flight mechanics, the “radius of gyration” refers to a measure of how the mass of an aircraft is distributed from its axis of rotation. It’s a characteristic parameter used to simplify the analysis of an aircraft’s rotational behavior, particularly in terms of its resistance to changes in orientation or angular motion kB​ is the

The change in pitching moment (Mα​) due to a change in angle of attack (α) is an important concept in flight mechanics, particularly in the analysis of an aircraft’s stability and control. It refers to how altering the angle of attack affects the forces around the aircraft’s lateral axis, impacting its pitching motion. Mα =u0M

The change in the vertical force component (Zα​) due to a change in the angle of attack (α) is a critical concept in flight mechanics and stability analysis. It’s a measure of how altering the angle of attack affects the vertical force acting on an aircraft. Zα = u0 Zw Zα​ represents the change in

Angular frequency is defined as the number of radians covered by an oscillation per unit of time. ω is the angular frequency, which is typically measured in radians per second (/rad/s). g is the acceleration due to gravity, measured in meters per second squared (/2m/s2). 0u0​ represents an initial velocity, often referring to the initial

In flight mechanics, the “vertical force component” refers to the net force acting vertically on an aircraft. This force is a result of the balance between the aircraft’s weight and the lift generated by its wings. It determines whether the aircraft is climbing, descending, or maintaining level flight in the vertical direction. Z = mz

The vertical force component in flight mechanics, also known as the “net vertical force,” refers to the resultant force acting in the vertical direction on an aircraft. It’s the difference between the lift force and the weight force. The vertical force component is a key factor in determining the aircraft’s vertical equilibrium and its behavior