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Eric Poquillon

This course is dedicated to energy management, i.e. speed and altitude control.

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This course is dedicated to energy management, i.e. speed and altitude control.

The various sources of drag are first described and modeled, as well as thrust origin, and evolution with speed and altitude. Using these models, we can evaluate the propulsive balance and derive important concepts like flight regimes, best climb speed, or propulsion ceiling.

We take then a glance at cruise performances and the evolution of range with weight.

This course is a part of the specialization "Fundamentals of Flight mechanics".

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What's inside

Syllabus

Equation of propulsion
First we will look at the physics at the origin of drag and thrust, and derive basic models and representations like the drag polar.
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Flight regimes
We will see here how the airspeed chosen to fly a stabilized phase of flight, like climb, final approach, or cruise, affects the behavior of the airplane, and why certain speeds are optimal for a given phase.
Cruise performance
Our main subject here is the distance we can fly with a given payload and fuel quantity, and how it relates with the design and operational characteristics of the airplane.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches concepts and theories with industry applications
This course is part of a specialization in Flight Mechanics
Explores the physics at the origin of drag and thrust
Provides a glance at cruise performances and evolution of range with weight

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Flight mechanics - Propulsive balance and energy with these activities:
Seek a mentor in the field of aerospace engineering
Gain access to expert guidance and insights, enhancing your understanding of flight dynamics and career prospects.
Show steps
  • Network with professionals at industry events or online platforms.
  • Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in their guidance.
  • Establish regular meetings to discuss your progress and seek advice.
Form a study group and discuss course topics
Enhance understanding through collaborative learning, discussion, and problem-solving with peers.
Show steps
  • Form a group with 2-4 classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material, ask questions, and solve problems.
  • Take turns leading discussions and presenting summaries of key concepts.
Write a summary of flight regimes
Reinforce understanding of the different flight regimes and their impact on aircraft performance.
Show steps
  • Identify and define the key flight regimes.
  • Explain the characteristics and limitations of each regime.
  • Summarize the factors that influence transitions between regimes.
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Follow an online tutorial on cruise performance
Gain a deeper understanding of the factors affecting an aircraft's range and endurance during cruise flight.
Show steps
  • Find a reputable online tutorial on cruise performance.
  • Follow the tutorial, taking notes on key concepts.
Develop a presentation on propulsion system design
Deepen understanding of propulsion system design principles and their impact on aircraft performance.
Show steps
  • Research different propulsion system designs and their applications.
  • Analyze the performance characteristics of each design.
  • Create a presentation that summarizes your findings.
Organize and review course notes and assignments
Reinforce understanding of course concepts by reviewing and organizing notes, assignments, and other materials.
Show steps
  • Gather and organize all notes, assignments, and quizzes.
  • Review the materials, focusing on key concepts and problem-solving techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Flight mechanics - Propulsive balance and energy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Flight Instructor
A Flight Instructor teaches students how to fly aircraft. They must have a strong understanding of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and teaching methods in order to safely and effectively teach students how to fly. This course may be useful for a Flight Instructor who is responsible for teaching students how to fly aircraft. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for safely and effectively teaching students how to fly.
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer focuses on performing analysis, designing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Along with creating computer models for simulation, they must also have a keen understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, thermodynamics, and other related topics. This course may be useful for an Aerospace Engineer who is working on the propulsion systems of aircraft or spacecraft. It can help them better understand the physics behind drag and thrust, as well as how to derive important concepts like flight regimes and best climb speed.
Avionics Engineer
An Avionics Engineer designs, develops, and tests avionics systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. They must have a strong understanding of electrical engineering, computer science, and flight mechanics in order to design and implement avionics systems that meet the safety and performance requirements of aerospace vehicles. This course may be useful for an Avionics Engineer who is working on the development of flight control systems. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for designing and implementing flight control systems that are safe and efficient.
Flight Test Engineer
A Flight Test Engineer develops and executes test plans for aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. They must have a thorough understanding of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and propulsion in order to safely and effectively conduct flight tests. This course may be useful for a Flight Test Engineer who is responsible for testing the performance of aircraft engines. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft.
Propulsion Engineer
A Propulsion Engineer designs, develops, and tests propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. They must have a strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science in order to design and implement propulsion systems that meet the performance and safety requirements of aerospace vehicles. This course may be useful for a Propulsion Engineer who is working on the development of aircraft engines. It can help them better understand the physics behind drag and thrust, as well as how to derive important concepts like flight regimes and best climb speed.
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer integrates the various subsystems of an aerospace vehicle into a cohesive whole. They must have a strong understanding of systems engineering, flight mechanics, and propulsion in order to ensure that the aerospace vehicle meets the safety and performance requirements of its stakeholders. This course may be useful for a Systems Engineer who is working on the development of a new aircraft. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for designing and implementing an aircraft that is safe and efficient.
Air Traffic Controller
An Air Traffic Controller directs and coordinates the movement of aircraft in the airspace. They must have a strong understanding of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and air traffic control procedures in order to safely and efficiently manage air traffic. This course may be useful for an Air Traffic Controller who is responsible for controlling the airspace around an airport. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for safely and efficiently managing air traffic.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer maintains and repairs aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. They must have a strong understanding of aircraft systems, including propulsion systems, in order to safely and effectively maintain and repair aircraft. This course may be useful for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer who is responsible for maintaining the propulsion systems of aircraft. It can help them better understand the physics behind drag and thrust, as well as how to derive important concepts like flight regimes and best climb speed.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems to identify opportunities for improvement. They must have a strong understanding of business analysis techniques and tools in order to effectively analyze business processes and systems. This course may be useful for a Business Analyst who is working on improving the efficiency of aircraft operations. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency of aircraft operations.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates written materials, such as manuals, reports, and articles, that explain technical information. They must have a strong understanding of the subject matter that they are writing about in order to accurately and clearly communicate technical information to readers. This course may be useful for a Technical Writer who is responsible for writing about aerospace vehicles. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for accurately and clearly communicating technical information about aerospace vehicles to readers.
Quality Assurance Inspector
A Quality Assurance Inspector ensures that products and services meet the required quality standards. They must have a strong understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures in order to effectively inspect products and services. This course may be useful for a Quality Assurance Inspector who is responsible for inspecting aerospace vehicles. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for ensuring that aerospace vehicles meet the required quality standards.
Manufacturing Engineer
A Manufacturing Engineer plans and manages the production of products and services. They must have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and techniques in order to efficiently and effectively produce products and services. This course may be useful for a Manufacturing Engineer who is responsible for manufacturing aircraft engines. It can help them better understand the physics behind drag and thrust, as well as how to derive important concepts like flight regimes and best climb speed.
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer sells technical products and services to customers. They must have a strong understanding of the technical products and services that they are selling in order to effectively communicate the benefits of these products and services to customers. This course may be useful for a Sales Engineer who is selling aircraft engines. It can help them better understand the physics behind drag and thrust, as well as how to derive important concepts like flight regimes and best climb speed.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans and manages projects. They must have a strong understanding of project management principles and procedures in order to effectively plan and manage projects. This course may be useful for a Project Manager who is responsible for managing the development of a new aircraft. It can help them better understand the propulsive balance and energy management of aircraft, which is essential for effectively planning and managing the development of a new aircraft.
Materials Engineer
A Materials Engineer develops and tests new materials for use in a variety of industries, including the aerospace industry. They must have a strong understanding of materials science and engineering in order to develop and test new materials that meet the performance and safety requirements of aerospace vehicles. This course may be useful for a Materials Engineer who is working on the development of new materials for aircraft engines. It can help them better understand the physics behind drag and thrust, as well as how to derive important concepts like flight regimes and best climb speed.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Flight mechanics - Propulsive balance and energy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of aircraft performance and design, covering topics such as drag, thrust, and flight regimes. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a detailed analysis of the performance of aircraft, including topics such as climb, cruise, and descent. It useful reference for engineers and pilots.
Provides a detailed analysis of the aerodynamics and performance of aircraft. It useful reference for engineers and pilots.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the stability and control of aircraft. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a detailed overview of the systems of aircraft, including topics such as propulsion, hydraulics, and avionics. It useful reference for engineers and pilots.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of aircraft. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a detailed overview of the aerodynamics of aircraft, with a focus on naval aviation. It useful reference for pilots and engineers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of flight. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a detailed overview of the propulsion of aircraft. It useful reference for engineers and pilots.
Provides an introduction to the flight mechanics of aircraft. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

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