Static Stability Flashcards
Define static stability for an aircraft.
The static stability of an aircraft is the tendency of that aircraft to develop restoring forces and moments when it is perturbed from a steady-state position.
Ref: Yechout Pg 196
For aircraft static stability what is the general evaluation reference?
Aircraft stability is generally evaluated relative to a steady-state trimmed flight condition.
Ref: Yechout Pg 196
If an aircraft is perturbed by a gust of wind and it develops a moment that returns it to its original position, this is termed ______ stability.
Positive static
Ref: Yechout Pg 196
If an aircraft is perturbed by a gust of wind and it develops no moment to return it to its original position, what type of stability is this?
Neutral stability.
Ref: Yechout Pg 196
If an aircraft in steady-state flight is perturbed and the aerodynamic forces that result cause it to diverge further from its original steady-state position, what type of static stability is this?
Negative stability
Ref: Yechout Pg 196
For longitudinal static stability, C_m_alpha must be _____.
Negative
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
True or False
The higher the absolute value of a control derivative the more moment is generated for a given control deflection.
True.
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
What is a positive elevator control surface deflection?
Sign convention – Do not confuse with moment convention
Trailing edge down (TED).
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
What is a positive horizontal stabilizer control deflection?
A positive incidence angle of the horizontal stabilizer is leading-edge up (LEU).
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
When is aileron deflection considered positive?
Trailing Edge Down (TED)
Note: A positive aileron deflection occurs when the trailing edge moves down. This does not include composite ailerons.
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
With respect to static stability, what defines a positive rudder deflection?
Tailing Edge Left
Note that this is different from Dr. Smith’s convention.
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
What are cross-control derivatives?
Cross control derivatives define the change in moment that results from the change in a control surface that is not the primary control surface for that axis.
For example, how does the moment on the rudder change with the ailerons are deflected by a pilot.
Ref: Yechout Pg 200
What comprises aircraft longitudinal motion?
Pitch rotation (rotation about the y-axis), X-axis translation, and Z-axis translation.
Ref: Yechout Pg 200
What comprises aircraft lateral motion?
Roll, yaw rotation, Y-axis translation.
Ref: Yechout Pg 200
A general aircraft moment coefficient varies with what three parameters related to control surface deflections?
- Angle of attack
- Elevator deflection
- Incidence angle of the horizontal stabilizer
CM = f(alpha, delta_E, i_H)
Ref: Yechout Pg 198
The angle between the horizontal stabilizer chord line and the fuselage reference line (x-body axis) is defined as positive for __________.
TEU conditions.
Ref: Yechout Pg 198
For symmetrical aircraft, C_l_0 and C_n_0 are usually _____.
Zero
Ref: Yechout Pg 198
A positive elevator deflection will result in a ______ pitching moment.
Negative (nose down)
This is different from Dr. Smith’s convention. In his case, a positive elevator deflection is up and the positive pitching moment causes the nose of the aircraft to rise.
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
A positive deflection of the horizontal tail will typically result in a ______________.
Negative pitching moment.
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
A positive aileron deflection will typically result in a _________ moment.
Positive, right-wing down pitching moment.
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
A positive rudder deflection will typically result in a ______ moment.
Negative nose left yawing moment.
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
What are the signs of the primary control derivatives?
C_m_delta_e < 0
C_l_delta_a >0
C_n_delta_r <0
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
What are the three stability derivatives?
C_m_alpha
C_l_beta
C_n_beta
Ref: Yechout Pg 198
What are the four primary control derivatives?
C_m_delta_e
C_m_i_h
C_l_delta_a
C_n_delta_r
Ref: Yechout Pg 199
What are the two cross-control derivatives?
C_l_delta_r
C_n_delta_a
Ref: Yechout Pg 200
What three parameters affect the drag coefficient?
Alpha
i_h
delta_e
Ref: Yechout Pg 201
What three parameters affect the drag coefficient?
Alpha
i_h
delta_e
Ref: Yechout Pg 203
Give the equation for the angle of attack experienced by a wing.
alpha_wing = alpha + i_w
Where i_w is the incidence angle of the wing.
Ref: Yechout Pg 204
To calculate the angle of attack of the horizontal tail ____ must be taken into consideration.
Downwash.
Ref: Yechout Pg 204
True or False
downwash decreases the effective incidence angle of the relative wind at the horizontal tail from that experienced at the nose of the aircraft.
True
Ref: Yechout Pg 204