Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory (Coursera)

In the end, we will explain how to control the trajectory of the airplane and the relation with lift and load factor.

Course 3 of 4 in the Fundamentals of Flight mechanics Specialization.

What You Will Learn

- Define the lift coefficent.

- Describe the relation between angle of attack and speed.

- D​escribe the limitation of a flight interms of speed, altitude and attitude.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Lift and Angle of Attack

At the end of this module, you will understand the influence of the angle of attack and speed on the lift.

WEEK 2

Limitations: Stall & Flight envelope

Let's focus on hazards and limitations, like stall, spiral dive, or flutter... You will understand why stall phenomenon and Mach number limit the maximum lift and altitude the airplane can achieve. What is flutter and why the altitude and speed of the airplane must be restricted to a safe domain?

WEEK 3

Controlling the trajectory

As we know how to create lift, let's use it now to actually control the trajectory. We will first look at how to change our flight direction in the horizontal plane by doing a turn. We will then look at the change in the vertical plane when we pull up or push over. Sometimes, alteration of the trajectory is due to external factors like turbulence, which may result in unwanted load factor spikes. We will determine what we can do to reduce this nuisance.

Summary and Final assessment

Test your knowledge.