Sant Dnyaneshwar Shikshan Sanstha’s

Annasaheb Dange College of Engineering and Technology, Ashta

(An Empowered Autonomous Institute)
Department of Aeronautical Engineering

2AEPC302 - Aircraft Stability and Control

Unit 2: Static Stability and Control

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Teaching Plan : Unit 2 - Static Stability and Control
Introduction to static and dynamic stability, Trim equilibrium, The pitching moment equation,
Longitudinal Static Stability, Lateral Static Stability, Directional Static Stability, Factor affecting
static stability, Contribution of aircraft components (Wing, Tail, Fuselage and Power Plant).

Lecture 5 Introduction to Static and Dynamic Stability, Trim Equilibrium 13 Aug 2024

Lecture 6 The Pitching Moment Equation and Longitudinal Static Stability

Lecture 7 Lateral and Directional Static Stability

Lecture 8 Factors Affecting Static Stability and Contribution of Aircraft Components

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 Lesson Plan :
Aim To introduce students to the fundamental concepts of static and dynamic stability, and trim
(What I want students to learn) equilibrium as applied to aircraft.

Rationale
Understanding stability and trim is essential for appreciating design of empennage of an aircraft.
(Why this is useful to them)

Learning outcomes At the conclusion of this session students will be able to:
(What I want them to be able to do at the ● Define static and dynamic stability.
end – and how I will know this is ● Explain the difference between static and dynamic stability.
successfully achieved)
● Describe the concept of trim equilibrium.
● Identify factors affecting aircraft stability.
Learning activities ● Use analogies and demonstrations (e.g., a pencil balanced on its tip) to illustrate stability.
(The activities I will use to best enable ● Demonstrate the effects of CG location on static stability using a simple model or simulation.
my students to meet their learning ● Explain the relationship between static and dynamic stability.
outcomes)
● Discuss factors affecting trim (e.g., weight distribution, atmospheric conditions).
Assessment
Classroom Quiz, ISE, and MSE
(I will assess their learning by)
Videos, PowerPoint Presentation & Course Site
Online Resources:
Resources
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZOvc4U-v0o
(What I use to support student learning)
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2DOus05Qso
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4-3PvYNJrU
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Aircraft Static Stability - Static stability refers to the aircraft's initial
tendency to return to its original attitude after a disturbance.

Positive Static Stability: The aircraft has a tendency to return to its original position after a disturbance.
Most aircraft are designed with positive static stability

Neutral Static Stability: The aircraft remains in its new position after a disturbance.

Negative Static Stability: The aircraft continues to move away from its original position after a
disturbance.
This is generally undesirable for most aircraft.

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Aircraft Dynamic Stability - Dynamic stability refers to the aircraft's
behavior over time after a disturbance. It considers the amplitude and frequency
of oscillations that occur as the aircraft returns to its equilibrium state.

Positive Dynamic Stability: The aircraft's oscillations gradually decrease in amplitude until it returns to
its original position.

Neutral Dynamic Stability: The aircraft continues to oscillate with a constant amplitude.

Negative Dynamic Stability: The aircraft's oscillations increase in amplitude, leading to instability.

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Relationship between Static and Dynamic Stability

While static stability is a necessary condition for dynamic stability, it

doesn't guarantee it. An aircraft can be statically stable but dynamically
unstable if the oscillations after a disturbance grow in amplitude.

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Factors Affecting Stability

● Center of Gravity (CG)

○ The location of the CG significantly affects both static and dynamic stability.
● Aerodynamic Design
○ The shape and configuration of the aircraft's wings, tail, and fuselage contribute to stability.
● Control Surfaces
○ The effectiveness and placement of control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudder) influence stability.
● Weight and Balance
○ The distribution of weight within the aircraft affects its stability.

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 Trim Equilibrium
Trim equilibrium occurs when an aircraft is in a steady, level flight condition without
requiring continuous control inputs. This is achieved by balancing the forces and moments
acting on the aircraft. Trim can be adjusted using control surfaces to compensate for changes
in weight, center of gravity, or atmospheric conditions.

Control surfaces, primarily the elevator, are used to adjust the pitching moment. By deflecting the elevator, the pilot can:

● Increase elevator deflection: Create a nose-up pitching moment, often used to climb.
● Decrease elevator deflection: Create a nose-down pitching moment, often used to descend.

Factors Affecting Trim

● Weight and Center of Gravity Shifts:

a. Changes in fuel, passengers, or cargo can alter the aircraft's weight distribution, requiring trim adjustments.
● Atmospheric Conditions: Variations in air density (altitude, temperature) affect lift and drag, impacting trim.
● Power Settings: Changes in engine power alter thrust, requiring trim adjustments.

Trim Tabs: Small auxiliary control surfaces used to assist in maintaining trim.
Trim Systems: Modern aircraft often have automated trim systems that adjust control surfaces based on various inputs.

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Teaching Plan : Unit 2 - Static Stability and Control
Introduction to static and dynamic stability, Trim equilibrium, The pitching moment equation,
Longitudinal Static Stability, Lateral Static Stability, Directional Static Stability, Factor affecting
static stability, Contribution of aircraft components (Wing, Tail, Fuselage and Power Plant).

Lecture 5 Introduction to Static and Dynamic Stability, Trim Equilibrium 13 Aug 2024

Lecture 6 The Pitching Moment Equation and Longitudinal Static Stability 19 Aug 2024

Lecture 7 Lateral and Directional Static Stability

Lecture 8 Factors Affecting Static Stability and Contribution of Aircraft Components

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 Lesson Plan :
Aim To understand and apply the pitching moment equation to determine the factors affecting an aircraft's
(What I want students to learn) longitudinal static stability.

Rationale By understanding these concepts, students can better appreciate the forces acting on an aircraft and the
(Why this is useful to them) factors that influence its stability and controllability.

Learning outcomes At the conclusion of this session students will be able to:
(What I want them to be able to do at the ● Define pitching moment and its components.
end – and how I will know this is ● Derive the pitching moment equation.
successfully achieved) ● Explain the concept of longitudinal static stability and its importance.
● Identify factors affecting longitudinal static stability.
● Apply the pitching moment equation to determine static stability.
Learning activities ● Discussion on the concepts of pitching moment, aerodynamic center, center of gravity, and stability derivatives.
(The activities I will use to best enable my ● Derivation of the pitching moment equation step-by-step.
students to meet their learning outcomes) ● Problem-solving exercises involving numerical calculations of pitching moment and stability.
Assessment Classroom Quiz, Tutorial Assessment and MSE
(I will assess their learning by)
Videos, PowerPoint Presentation & Course Site
Resources Online Resources:
(What I use to support student learning)
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uReN2Nd1yuo

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 Pitching Moment - acting about lateral axis of an aircraft.

● +ve pitching moment causes the nose to pitch up

● -ve pitching moment causes the nose to pitch down
Forces act at different points on the aircraft, creating moments (or torques) around the lateral axis.
The net effect of these moments determines the overall pitching moment.

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 Pitching Moment Equation

Definition of aerodynamic center of a wing:

The aerodynamic center (a.c.) is the point around which the moment does not change when the angle
of attack changes. We can therefore use Cmac as a constant moment for all angles of attack.

The aerodynamic center usually lies around a quarter chord from the leading edge.

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Pitching Moment Equation

-M - Lw(Xg) + Lt.lt = 0

0.5 ⍴V2ScMACCM = - 0.5 ⍴V2SCL(Xg)cMAC + 0.5

⍴V2STCLT.lt
ScMACCM = - SCL(Xg)cMAC + STCLT.lt

ScMACCM = - SCL(Xg)cMAC +
(ST)CLT.lt
CM = - CL.Xg + (ST /S).(lt /cMAC).CLT

CM = - CL.Xg + VHT.CLT
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Longitudinal Static Stability - refers to an aircraft's inherent tendency to return to its
original flight path after a disturbance in pitch.
Importance of Longitudinal Static Stability:

● Pilot workload reduction: A stable aircraft requires less pilot input to maintain level flight, reducing fatigue and increasing safety.
● Enhanced safety: A stable aircraft is less likely to enter into uncontrollable flight conditions due to gusts or turbulence.
● Improved handling qualities: Good longitudinal stability contributes to a more predictable and responsive aircraft, enhancing pilot
confidence.
● Reduced structural loads: Excessive pitching motions can lead to increased structural stresses, so stability helps to mitigate these
loads.

Key factors affecting longitudinal static stability:

● Center of gravity location: A forward CG generally improves stability, while a rearward CG reduces it.
● Horizontal tail size and location: A larger tail or one located further aft increases stability.
● Lift curve slopes of wing and tail: Higher lift curve slopes generally improve stability.

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Lesson Plan :

Aim Understand the concepts of lateral and directional stability, Analyze the factors affecting lateral and
(What I want students to learn) directional stability and Apply stability concepts to aircraft design and flight control.

Rationale Lateral and directional stability are crucial for aircraft safety and performance. By understanding these
(Why this is useful to them) concepts, students can appreciate how aircraft maintain equilibrium and respond to disturbances.

Learning outcomes At the conclusion of this session students will be able to:
(What I want them to be able to do at the ● Define lateral and directional stability.
end – and how I will know this is ● Explain the role of dihedral, and sweep in lateral stability.
successfully achieved)
● Describe the importance of the vertical tail in directional stability.
● Analyze the relationship between lateral and directional stability.
Learning activities ● Lecture and discussion on the concepts of lateral and directional stability, including definitions
(The activities I will use to best enable my and key terms.
students to meet their learning outcomes) ● Problem-solving exercises involving calculations and stability analysis.
Assessment
Classroom Quiz, Tutorial Assessment and MSE
(I will assess their learning by)
Videos, PowerPoint Presentation & Course Site
Resources Online Resources:
(What I use to support student learning) 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pRtbVttYeM
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTk4ZsOIYyc
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 Lateral Static Stability - is an aircraft's inherent tendency to resist rolling
about its longitudinal axis.

Factors Affecting Lateral Static Stability

Several factors contribute to an aircraft's lateral static stability:

● Dihedral: The upward angle of the wings from root to tip.

Positive dihedral is the most common configuration and enhances lateral stability. When an aircraft rolls, the lower wing
experiences a higher angle of attack, generating more lift and returning the aircraft to level flight.
● Sweepback: The angle of the wing's leading edge relative to the aircraft's centerline. Sweepback generally reduces lateral
stability.
● Keel effect: The vertical projection of the wing area below the fuselage. A larger keel effect increases lateral stability.

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Directional Static Stability - is an aircraft's tendency to resist yawing about its
vertical axis.

Factors Affecting Directional Static Stability

● Vertical Stabilizer: The primary component influencing directional stability.

A larger vertical stabilizer provides greater directional stability.
● Horizontal Stabilizer: While primarily affecting longitudinal stability, its interaction with the vertical stabilizer can also influence
directional stability.
● Center of Gravity (CG): The location of the CG affects both lateral and directional stability. A rearward CG can reduce
directional stability.
● Fuselage Shape: The shape of the fuselage can contribute to directional stability. A slender fuselage generally offers better
directional stability.

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Teaching Plan : Unit 2 - Static Stability and Control
Introduction to static and dynamic stability, Trim equilibrium, The pitching moment equation,
Longitudinal Static Stability, Lateral Static Stability, Directional Static Stability, Factor affecting
static stability, Contribution of aircraft components (Wing, Tail, Fuselage and Power Plant).

Lecture 5 Introduction to Static and Dynamic Stability, Trim Equilibrium 13 Aug 2024

Lecture 6 The Pitching Moment Equation and Longitudinal Static Stability 19 Aug 2024

Lecture 7 Lateral and Directional Static Stability 20 Aug 2024

Lecture 8 Factors Affecting Static Stability and Contribution of Aircraft Components 21 Aug 2024

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Lesson Plan :

Aim To understand the factors influencing an aircraft's static stability, and analyze the contributions of
(What I want students to learn) different aircraft components to stability.

Rationale By comprehending how different aircraft components contribute to stability, individuals can better
(Why this is useful to them) appreciate aircraft design, flight characteristics, and safety considerations.

Learning outcomes At the conclusion of this session students will be able to:
(What I want them to be able to do at Explain the contributions of wings, tail surfaces, fuselage, and other components to stability.
the end – and how I will know this is Analyze the impact of changes in aircraft configuration on stability.
successfully achieved)
Learning activities Group work to analyze different aircraft configurations and identify stability-enhancing features.
(The activities I will use to best enable Problem-solving exercises involving stability calculations and design modifications.
my students to meet their learning
outcomes)
Assessment
Classroom Quiz, Tutorial Assessment and MSE
(I will assess their learning by)
Resources Videos, PowerPoint Presentation & Course Site
(What I use to support student Online Resources:
learning) 1.

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