Flight mechanics - The basis from Coursera

More than one century after the Wright brothers' first flight, the flight still defy our intuition. You will learn here how to name the different parts of the airplane and how to describe and quantify its geometry. For that, we need now to share a precise vocabulary to describe the airplane's movement and attitude in space, and a refresher on basic general mechanic principles. You will remind how Newton's 2nd law allows you to determine what force must be applied on an apple - or on an airplane, to modify the magnitude and direction of its speed. Coming back on the concepts of kinetic energy and potential energy, you will discover the very useful concept of total height and you will be able to explain how an airplane can quickly exchange speed for altitude, while changes in total height are much slower.

In the end, you will discover that only a very small number of forces apply on an airplane in flight and that you will be able to classify those that change its energy state and those that modify its trajectory. You will discover the concept of load factor and understand why the pilot of a combat aircraft can feel a weight nine-time greater than his actual weight! Finally, we will establish the lift and propulsion equations, that form the basis of flight mechanics, and you will be able to compute the lift and thrust necessary to follow a given trajectory at a given speed.

This course is for anybody interested in learning more about how planes work, the physics of flying, or flight mechanics. It will be of particular interest to undergraduate students in aerospace engineering, trainees as well as senior pilots, journalists, and professionals in the aeronautics sector.

Although some mathematical formalism may be present sometimes. It is always doubled by sketches, figures, and hands-explanations. So that, anybody can skip the formulas without losing the core understanding of the concepts.

No apples were harmed in the making of this course...

This course is only a foretaste of the mechanics of flight. ISAE-SUPAERO and Eric Poquillon will offer you other courses and the first specialization in autumn 2021. Initially, three courses will be published to answer several questions: Can we fly as high as we want? What is a stall? Why do some planes have propellers and others have jet engines? Is an airplane always stable? How do you control an airplane following an engine failure? All this and more will be covered in this series of flight mechanics courses.

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

What's inside

Syllabus

Anatomy of the plane

Along this first week, we want you to get acquainted to the airplane. We will first learn how to name the different parts of the airplane and how to describe and quantify its geometry. And we will see through an exercise that concepts that seem well defined, like the surface of the wing (wing surface), can be, in practice, difficult to measure. This part will allow us to share a common and precise vocabulary.

Vocabulary and Tools

We need now to share a precise vocabulary to describe the airplane's movement and attitude in space, and a refresher on basic general mechanics principles. You will review how Newton's second law allows you to determine what force must be applied on an apple - or on an airplane, to modify the magnitude and direction of its speed. Coming back on the concepts of kinetic energy and potential energy, you will discover the very useful concept of total height and you will be able to explain how an airplane can quickly exchange speed for altitude, while changes in total height are much slower. To conclude this week, we invite you on a tour of our full flight simulator Pegasus (Pegase in French), to see how clever use of those concepts in a Head-Up Display might allow you to conduct a perfect approach and landing without a single glance at your speed or altitude indicators.

Basis of flight mechanics

It's time to apply your knowledge to the airplane! You will discover that only a very small number of forces apply on an airplane in flight and that you are able to classify those that change its energy state and those that modify its trajectory. You will discover the concept of load factor and understand why the pilot of a combat aircraft can feel a weight nine-time greater than his actual weight! You will come on board our DR400 light airplane (not a combat airplane indeed) with Newton's apple to better understand what this load factor actually means. Finally, you will establish the lift and propulsion equations, that form the basis of flight mechanics, and you will be able to compute the lift and thrust necessary to follow a given trajectory at a given speed. No apples were harmed in the making of this course.

Graded assessment for the course

In this final graded assessment, you will check your knowledge and apply it to solve an actual flight dynamic problem : how to fly a loop in a glider.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced topics in flight mechanics, which is an in-demand field within engineering

Taught by Eric Poquillon, an industry expert in flight mechanics

Examines the fundamentals of flight mechanics, which is a foundational topic for aerospace engineering

Emphasizes core principles behind lift and propulsion, which are key concepts in flight mechanics

Covers advanced topics such as load factor and energy exchange, which are relevant to aircraft design and operation

Explores real-world applications of flight mechanics, such as loop maneuvers in gliders

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 - The basis with these activities:

Review Fundamentals of Flight

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Refresh your knowledge of basic physics and mechanics to strengthen your foundation for understanding the principles of flight.

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Review Newton's Laws of Motion
Review concepts of energy and power
Brush up on basic algebra and trigonometry

Compile a Flight Mechanics Resource List

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Create a valuable resource for yourself and others by compiling a list of useful articles, books, and websites on flight mechanics.

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Gather resources from various sources
Categorize and organize the resources
Share the resource list with others

Explore Online Flight Simulations

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Gain practical experience in flight dynamics by using flight simulators to practice takeoff, landing, and maneuvering techniques.

Browse courses on Flight Simulation

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Find and install a reputable flight simulator
Follow tutorials and practice basic flight maneuvers
Experiment with different aircraft types and flight conditions

Four other activities

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Design an Airplane Model

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Apply your understanding of flight mechanics to design and build a model airplane that meets specific performance criteria.

Browse courses on Aircraft Design

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Research different airplane designs
Sketch and plan your model
Build and assemble the model
Test and refine the model's performance

Tutor Students in Flight Mechanics

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Reinforce your understanding of flight mechanics by helping others learn the concepts.

Browse courses on Peer Support

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Identify students who need support
Review concepts and provide guidance
Offer encouragement and motivation

Present on a Flight Mechanics Topic

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Deepen your understanding of a specific flight mechanics topic by researching and presenting it to your peers.

Browse courses on Aircraft Performance

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Choose a topic of interest
Conduct thorough research
Prepare a clear and engaging presentation
Deliver your presentation and answer questions

Attend a Flight Mechanics Workshop

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Gain exposure to cutting-edge research and developments in flight mechanics by attending a specialized workshop.

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Take notes and engage in discussions

Career center

Learners who complete Flight mechanics - The basis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineers are responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing flight tests of aircraft and spacecraft. They work with pilots and other engineers to collect data on the performance and safety of these vehicles. Flight Test Engineers need a strong understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight dynamics. The course _Flight mechanics - The basis_ will provide you with a solid understanding of the forces that act on an aircraft or spacecraft in flight and how these forces affect the vehicle's performance. In addition, the course will introduce you to the basic techniques used to collect and analyze flight test data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Test Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, missiles, satellites, and other spacecraft. They use their knowledge of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science to ensure that these vehicles are safe and efficient. While there are many different types of Aerospace Engineers, they all need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. The course _Flight mechanics - The basis_ will help you develop the foundation in physics, particularly mechanics, to start a career in Aerospace Engineering. It will also introduce you to the basic concepts of aerodynamics, propulsion, and stability and control. This course will help you prepare for a successful career as an Aerospace Engineer by providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to design, develop, and test aircraft and other spacecraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Astronautical Engineer

Astronautical Engineers design, develop, and test spacecraft and satellites. They also work on the ground systems that support these spacecraft, such as launch pads and mission control centers. Astronautical Engineers need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of orbital mechanics and spacecraft systems. With this course _Flight mechanics - The basis_, you will become familiar with the basic equations of motion for spacecraft and the forces that act on them. You will also learn about the different types of spacecraft propulsion systems and how they are used to maneuver spacecraft in orbit. The course will lay a strong foundation in the fundamentals of physics, science, and mathematics on which Astronautical Engineering is based.

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Propulsion Engineer

Propulsion Engineers design, develop, and test engines for aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also work on the ground systems that support these engines, such as fuel tanks and control systems. Propulsion Engineers need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.

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Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft. They work on a variety of tasks, including inspecting aircraft systems, troubleshooting problems, and replacing parts. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers need a strong understanding of aircraft systems and how they work. The course _Flight mechanics - The basis_ will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of flight and the forces that act on an aircraft in flight. In addition, the course will introduce you to the basic techniques used to inspect and repair aircraft systems.

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Avionics Engineer

Avionics Engineers design, develop, and test the electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. These systems include flight controls, navigation systems, and communication systems. Avionics Engineers need a strong foundation in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as a good understanding of aerodynamics and flight dynamics.

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Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for directing the movement of aircraft in the air and on the ground. They work in control towers and radar facilities to ensure that aircraft are safely separated from each other. Air Traffic Controllers need a strong understanding of aircraft performance and flight procedures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Air Traffic Controller

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and its effects on the weather. They use their knowledge to forecast the weather, issue warnings about severe weather, and conduct research on climate change. Meteorologists need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of atmospheric science.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans and their effects on the climate. They use their knowledge to forecast ocean currents, waves, and tides. Oceanographers need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of oceanography.

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Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the Earth's physical properties and processes. They use their knowledge to explore for natural resources, assess environmental hazards, and understand the Earth's history. Geophysicists need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of geology and geophysics.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and how they can be used to create new products. They work on a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Materials Scientists need a strong foundation in physics and chemistry, as well as a good understanding of materials science.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain the infrastructure that we use every day, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of civil engineering.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and maintain machines and other mechanical devices. They work on a variety of projects, including cars, airplanes, and robots. Mechanical Engineers need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of mechanical engineering.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, build, and maintain electrical systems. They work on a variety of projects, including power plants, electrical grids, and electronic devices. Electrical Engineers need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, as well as a good understanding of electrical engineering.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design, develop, and implement computer software and systems. They work on a variety of projects, including operating systems, databases, and web applications. Computer Scientists need a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science.

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