Syllabus

AERSP 597J - Rotorcraft Stability and Control, Spring 2003

107 Sackett, TR 1-2:15

 

Instructor:

Joe Horn                               

233 Hammond

865-6434

joehorn@psu.edu

 

Course Description and Objectives:

This course presents the theory and application of the flight dynamics of rotary-wing vehicles.  The general equations of motion of a helicopter in maneuvering flight will be presented.  Students will apply this theory to analyze stability and control, work with flight simulation models, assess handling qualities, and design automatic flight control systems for rotorcraft.

 

Reccomended Text:

Padfield, G.D., Helicopter Flight Dynamics: The Theory and Application of Flying Qualities and Simulation Modeling, AIAA Education Series, 1995.

Can be purchased on-line at www.aiaa.org

 

Computer Software Requirements:

This course will require students to work with a MATLAB based rotorcraft simulation code.

 

Topics:                                                                                                                                   Classes:                                               

 

Introduction / Review of Aircraft Stability and Control                                                2

Helicopter Simulation Modeling                                                                                        9

Trim Analysis                                                                                                                       3

Response to Control Inputs / Disturbances                                                                    3

Linearization                                                                                                                         2

Stability analysis / stability derivatives                                                                           4                                             

Automatic flight control design                                                                                        4

ADS-33 handling qualities specifications                                                                        3

 

Grades:

The course will involve a number of computer projects and one mid-term exam.  There will be a final project in place of a final exam.

 

Projects                                                  30%

Mid-Term Exam                                    30%

Final Project                                          30%

Class Participation / Effort                 10%