2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MECH3855 Aerospace Flight Mechanics
20 creditsClass Size: 80
Module manager: Dr C A Gilkeson
Email: C.A.Gilkeson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisites
| MECH1210 | Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics |
| MECH2610 | Engineering Mechanics |
| MECH2620 | Vibration and Control |
| MECH2670 | Thermofluids 2 |
Co-requisites
| MECH3855 | Aerospace Flight Mechanics |
Module replaces
MECH1270MECH2271MECH3271MECH5710This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
In this module students will develop an understanding of three concepts of aerospace flight:1. Aircraft and aerospace vehicle performance.
2. Steady level flight and dynamic behaviour of aircraft in flight.
3. The basics of aerospace flight and orbital mechanics.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students will have learnt how to:
1. Apply the basic concepts of aerospace performance, using mathematical tools to aid its prediction.
2. Solve a diverse range of problems in the area of flight vehicle motion.
3. Analyse the control and dynamic behaviour of aircraft subjected to atmospheric or control inputs.
4. Analyse the performance of spacecraft and space vehicle motion in orbits and on hyperbolic trajectories.
5. Plan interplanetary space missions using the principles of two-body dynamics.
Upon successful completion of this module the following UK-SPEC learning outcome descriptors are satisfied:
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies (SM1m)
Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently and critically in the analysis and solution of engineering problems (SM2m)
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations (SM5m)
Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to undertake critical analysis of key engineering processes (EA1m)
Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques (EA2)
Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and understanding their limitations, in order to solve engineering problems and implement appropriate action (EA3m)
Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills (P3)
Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1).
Skills outcomes
On completion of this module students will have acquired the following skills:
- analytical
- problem solving
- mathematical derivations and solutions
- adaptability.
Syllabus
1. Glossary of terms for aerospace vehicles and their components.
2. Introduction to aircraft performance in steady level flight.
3. Balance of forces
4. Gliding performance
5. Range & endurance calculations.
6. Manoeuvre performance.
7. Origin of symmetric forces and moments.
8. Accelerated flight:
a. Take-off
b. Flying in a circle
c. Accelerated climb
d. Landing performance
9. Longitudinal, Directional and Roll static stability and control
10. Aircraft equations of motion
11. Stick fixed longitudinal and lateral motion
12. Aircraft response to control or atmospheric inputs
13. Aeroelasticity
14. Ballistic missile performance
15. Basics of rocket performance
16. Launch systems
17. Orbital mechanics
18. Gravity assist trajectories
19. Interplanetary strategies
20. Practical considerations of spaceflight
21. Artificial satellites and space debris
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| In Course Assessment | 1 | 80.00 | 80.00 |
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Lecture | 44 | 1.00 | 44.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Private study hours | 70.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 130.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Students are to spend on average:- a total of 20 hours preparation/revision for all of the lectures
- 2 hours to completing the analysis from the flight testing exercise
- 48 hours exam preparation
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
An online discussion board will be monitored during specified times each week.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Flight Mechanics | 20.00 |
| Assignment | Orbital Mechanics | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
1) Coursework marks carried forward and 60% resit exam. OR 2) 100% resit exam
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Unseen exam | 2 hr | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:16:42
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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