| Unit name | Flight Dynamics and Advanced Control |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CADE30008 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Steve Bullock |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Engineering Science, Introduction to Aerodynamics, Dynamics and Control of Linear Systems, Engineering Mathematics 2, or suitable equivalents |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
An understanding of the flight characteristics of fixed-wing aircraft is an essential part of an aerospace engineering degree. In this unit students formulate the aircraft equations of motion, and develop a physical understanding of aircraft stability and manoeuvres. In addition, students advance their knowledge of control theory, which enables the design of control algorithms achieve desired flight performance, and ensure aircraft operate within their safe flight envelope.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit builds on a student’s existing knowledge of engineering dynamics and aerodynamic loads, in order to formulate and analyse the equations of motion for fixed-wing aircraft. This provides essential physical insight into the flight characteristics of aircraft. Students will also be offered the opportunity to fly in the University of Bristol glider, to experience these concepts first-hand. Further, this unit expands the students’ introductory knowledge of control theory to design and characterise feedback controllers for aerospace applications using both classical and modern control theory.
An overview of content
Students will learn to formulate the equations of motion for a rigid body aircraft, understanding the influence of aerodynamic and inertial terms, and introduce appropriate simplifications for the purposes of classical linear analysis. This enables students to establish conditions for static flight balance and flight stability, and characterise standard aircraft modes of motion. Flight recordings obtained from the University of Bristol glider provide a source of data for students to analyse and evaluate. Further, students will advance their knowledge of control theory, enabling them to design feedback controllers for aerospace engineering systems with desired performance characteristics. This includes classical control techniques (e.g. PID, root locus), as well as modern control methods (e.g. state-space and optimal control). These topics enable students to consider control laws for desired flight performance, stabilise aircraft in response to disturbances (e.g. gusts), and maintain a safe flight envelope.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be able to formulate, analyse and appreciate the flight dynamics of fixed-wing aircraft, as well as design and characterise control systems for aerospace engineering applications.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, which include lectures, supported computer labs, drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Formative tasks include example sheets, and a self-directed exercise on controller design for a model aerospace vehicle.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[100%] – individual coursework (ILO 1 - 6), AHEP 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
When assessment does not go to plan
A reassessment retains the same format as the original assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CADE30008).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
