Page 130 - Aeronautical Engineer Data Book

Section 7

Principles of flight dynamics

7.1 Flight dynamics – conceptual breakdown
Flight dynamics is a multi-disciplinary subject
consisting of a framework of fundamental
mathematical and physical relationships.
Figure 7.1 shows a conceptual breakdown of
the subject relationships. A central tenet of the
framework are the equations of motion, which
provide a mathematical description of the
physical response of an aircraft to its controls.

7.2 Axes notation
Motions can only be properly described in
relation to a chosen system of axes. Two of the
most common systems are earth axes and
aircraft body axes.

Aircraft flying Stability and Aerodynamic
and handling control characteristics
properties parameters of the airframe

The equations of motion

Stability and Common
control aerodynamic
derivatives parameters

Fig. 7.1 Flight dynamics – the conceptual breakdown