Course content

In the course Flight Physics, you will learn about how aircraft and other airborne objects move through the air. It includes the principles behind aerodynamics, which is the study of the movement of air and the forces that bodies are subjected to when they move through air, or air flows around them. The course includes aerodynamics, various aircraft structures, wing design, propeller and engine technology, as well as aircraft stability and control.

The course will provide the student with knowledge of:

• Work, power, energy and the first law of motion• Aerodynamic forces and moments
• Air and airflow at subsonic speed: density, temperature, airspeed and groundspeed, Bernoulli's equation, drag
• Aerofoils - subsonic speed: lifting surfaces, pressure distribution, lift and drug curve, aerodynamic center, aspect ratio, flaps and slots.
• Propulsion systems (thrust): turbojet, turboprop, ramjet, scramjet, rocket propulsion, propeller propulsion, how they work and efficiency.
• Horizontal flight - the four forces: balance and equilibrium, airspeed and angle of attack, effects of drag and altitude.
• Hovering and landing: types, speed, real and apparent angles, air brakes and load.
• Performance: takeoff, climb, power curves, maximum and minimum speed.
• Maneuvers: accelerations, exits from a dive, turns, other maneuvers.
• Stability and control: dynamic stability, longitudinal stability and control, lateral stability, directional stability and control, roll control, balance control.
• Flight at transonic and supersonic speeds

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate demonstrates basic knowledge of flight physics, uses these in problem solving related to aircraft.

The candidate can reproduce activities and results from research and development work within technology related to aircraft, and show knowledge of relevant development environments. He or she uses relevant methods and working methods in aircraft maintenance.

Skills:

The candidate applies knowledge and relevant results to solve theoretical, technical and practical problems within aircraft maintenance.

The candidate can contribute to new thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship through participation in the development and realization of sustainable and socially beneficial products, systems and/or solutions.

General competence:

The candidate has a comprehensive understanding of flight physics and aircraft maintenance, and applies this knowledge in practical and theoretical problems.

The candidate can evaluate and apply research and development results within aviation technology, and has knowledge of relevant development environments.

The candidate has a conscious relationship with methods and working methods related to aircraft maintenance and operation.

The candidate demonstrates the ability for critical thinking and problem solving in technical contexts, and contributes to innovation and sustainable solutions within the aviation sector.

The candidate demonstrates an understanding of social responsibility and the role of technology in a sustainable perspective.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures.

Exercises. 8 out of 12 exercises must be approved.T

Term paper (analysis or laboratory work in groups).

Mandatory activities

Exercises

Term paper

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Term paper

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

FLYT1101 Introduksjon til luftfartøy og luftfart; IMAT2012 Matematikk for ingeniørfag 2 A, FLYT2201 Flymekanikk

Course materials

Kermode, A. C. (2006).Mechanics of flight (11th ed. rev. by R.H. Barnard and D.R. Philpott.). Harlow: Pearson/Prentice Hall.