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Tutorial 2

The document is a tutorial on Aircraft Stability and Control, focusing on calculations related to pitching moments and trim lift coefficients. It includes problems on determining the stick fixed neutral point, analyzing canard-wing combinations, and evaluating the effects of center of gravity on trim conditions. Additionally, it discusses the impact of landing gear and flaps on pitching moment characteristics.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
74 views3 pages

Tutorial 2

The document is a tutorial on Aircraft Stability and Control, focusing on calculations related to pitching moments and trim lift coefficients. It includes problems on determining the stick fixed neutral point, analyzing canard-wing combinations, and evaluating the effects of center of gravity on trim conditions. Additionally, it discusses the impact of landing gear and flaps on pitching moment characteristics.

Uploaded by

Naval barodh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Department of Aerospace Engineering

Tutorial-2
Aircraft Stability and Control

1. If the slope of the Cm versus CL curve is −0.15 and the pitching moment at zero lift is equal to 0.08,
determine the trim lift coefficient. If the center of gravity of the airplane is located at xcg /c̄ =0.3 ,
determine the stick fixed neutral point.
2. For the data shown in Figure (1) determine the following:
(a) The stick fixed neutral point.
(b) If we wish to fly the airplane at a velocity of 125f t/s at sea level, what would be the trim lift coefficient
and what would be the elevator angle for trim?

Figure 1: Cm versus α plot

3. Analyze the canard-wing combination shown in Figure (2). The canard and wing are geometrically similar
and made from the same airfoil section. ARc = ARw , Sc = 0.2Sw , c̄c = 0.45c̄w
(a) Develop an expression for the moment coefficient about the c.g. You may simplify the problem by
neglecting the upwash (downwash) effects between the lifting surfaces and the drag contribution to the
moment. Also assume small angle approximation
(b) Find the neutral point for the plane

Figure 2: Location of canard

1
4. The Cm versus α curve for a large jet transport can be seen in Figure (3). Use the figure and the following
information to answer questions (a) to (c), where CL = 0.03 + 0.08α (deg), −150 ≤ δe ≤ 200
(a) Estimate the stick fixed neutral point
(b) Estimate the control power Cmδe
(c) Find the forward center of gravity limit:dCmcg /dCL = xcg /c̄ − xnp /c̄

Figure 3: Pitching moment plot of an airplane

5. An airplane has the following pitching moment characteristics at the c.g position: xcg /c̄ = 0.3, Cmcg =
dCm dCm dCm x x
Cm0 + dCLcg CL + Cmδe , where Cm0 = 0.05, dCLcg = −0.1, Cmδe = −0.01/deg, dCLcg = c̄cg − np c̄ . If the
x
airplane is loaded so that the center of gravity position moves to c̄cg = 0.01, can the airplane be trimmed
during landing, when CL = 1.0 ? Assume that Cm0 and Cmδe are unaffected by the c.g. travel and that
δemax = ±200 .
6. The pitching moment characteristics of a general aviation airplane with the landing gear and flaps in their
retracted position are given in Figure (4).
(a) Where is the stick fixed neutral point located?
(b) If the airplane weighs 2500 lbs and is flying at sea level ρ = 0.002378 slug/f t3, what is the elevator
angle required for trim?
(c) Discuss what happens to the pitching moment curve when the landing gear is deployed? How does
the deflection of the high lift flaps affect the stability of the airplane?

2
Figure 4: Pitching moment characteristics of a general aviation airplane

Common questions

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Determine the neutral point by calculating the center of pressure location where the sum of moments about the CG vanishes. For a canard-wing configuration, balance lift contributions from both lifting surfaces using aerodynamic relations: x_np = (x_wGC * AReff_w + x_cGC * AReff_c) / (AReff_w + AReff_c). Compute effective aspect ratios involving surface areas and span efficiency to find accurate neutral points. This determines overall stability by indicating the point at which the aircraft naturally aligns nose-on to the flight path. An aircraft with the neutral point farther back has greater static stability adding nose-up moments during longitudinal deviation .

The stick fixed neutral point can be calculated by analyzing the relationship between the center of gravity (CG) position and the aerodynamic center. Given the CG is located at xcg/¯c = 0.3, the neutral point, xnp/¯c, is determined by solving the equation: dCmcg/dCL = xcg/¯c - xnp/¯c. With dCmcg/dCL provided as -0.1 in example problems, solve 0.3 - xnp/¯c = -0.1, resulting in xnp/¯c = 0.4. Thus, the stick fixed neutral point is 0.4 times the mean aerodynamic chord .

Deploying the landing gear and high lift flaps alters both the aerodynamic characteristics and the pitching moment curve. When the landing gear is deployed, a forward shift in the aircraft's aerodynamic center of pressure occurs, increasing nose-down moments and thus affecting stability. High lift flaps increase the aircraft's lift, causing an increase in the nose-up pitching moment. This affects longitudinal stability by potentially moving the neutral point forward, thereby decreasing static stability margin and can lead to a nose-heavy condition if not managed properly by adjusting trim settings .

Control power, Cmδe, measures the effectiveness of an aircraft's control surfaces in altering the pitching moment and achieving desired changes in pitch attitude. It's crucial for ensuring an aircraft's capability to be trimmed and controlled across its flight envelope. To estimate Cmδe, assess the change in pitching moment due to deflection of the elevator, using the formula Cmδe = ΔCm/Δδe. With given data, such as Cm curves from figures, control power can be derived from the rate of change in the moment coefficient with respect to elevator deflection, typically expressed in moments per degree .

In high-speed flight conditions, several factors affect trim lift coefficient (CL_trim). Increased dynamic pressure requires reduced angle of attack for a given lift, altering drag and the required pitch attitude for trim. Assess the movement of the center of pressure aftward with increased Mach number, affecting pitch stability and necessitating adjustments in control surface positioning to maintain trim. Evaluate Mach-tuck effects on trim through advanced simulation or flight test data, adjusting for compressibility effects, and consult performance charts for changes in static margin and control feedback .

The elevator angle required for trim can be deduced by balancing forces and moments around the CG for a steady flight condition. Utilize the lift equation: L = 0.5 * rho * V^2 * S * CL with given air density and speed at sea level, then resolve for CL for level flight. With the pitching moment equation Cm = Cm0 + (dCmcg/dCL)CL + Cmδe * δe, and solving for δe ensures Cmcg equals zero for trim condition. Using the relation between required and available control, solve for δe. For complexity, incorporate elevator effectiveness from performance graphs or empirical data .

The forward center of gravity (CG) limit is defined where static margin is at a minimum before ensuring stability, calculated through xnp/¯c - xcg/¯c = dCmcg/dCL. With dCmcg/dCL given, rearrange to solve for forward CG limit: xcg/¯c = xnp/¯c - dCmcg/dCL. Knowing forward CG is crucial as it represents the limit where control effectiveness could become insufficient for pitch control, risking instability. It impacts the aircraft's ability to maintain positive longitudinal static stability margin, affecting maneuvers, and control inputs needed for safe operation .

To derive the moment coefficient, Cm, around the center of gravity (CG) for a canard-wing configuration, we consider the lift contributions from both the canard and the main wing. Neglecting interference effects and drag, with small angle assumptions: Cm = Cmcg = Cm_w + Cm_c. Using geometric relations and simplified aerodynamic theories, express the terms: Cm_w = (CL_w * (x_wGC - x_cg)) and Cm_c = (CL_c * (x_cGC - x_cg)), where x_wGC and x_cGC are the locations from the aerodynamic reference point to the CG for the wing and canard, respectively. Substitute known variables such as Sc = 0.2Sw, ¯cc = 0.45¯cw to assemble a complete expression .

To determine if the aircraft can be trimmed during landing with a CG shift, analyze the condition: Cmcg = Cm0 + dCmcg/dCL * CL + Cmδe. Given the new CG position at xcg/¯c = 0.01 and landing with CL = 1.0, substitute these into the moment equation: Cmcg = 0.05 - 0.1 * 1.0 + (-0.01/deg * δe). Solve for δe to satisfy the trim condition Cmcg = 0. A check with δemax = ±200 determines if the required δe for trim exceeds control limits. If δe for required trim is within ±20 degrees, the aircraft can be trimmed .

The trim lift coefficient can be determined by using the formula for the pitching moment coefficient, Cm = Cm0 + (dCm/dCL) * CL. Given that the slope of the Cm versus CL curve is -0.15 and the pitching moment at zero lift (Cm0) is 0.08, you set Cm to zero to find the trim condition: 0 = 0.08 - 0.15 * CL_trim. Solving for CL_trim, you get CL_trim = 0.08/0.15, which simplifies to CL_trim = 0.533. This value is the trim lift coefficient needed to maintain stability .

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