Flight Mechanics and Control

Flight Mechanics and Control is a fundamental discipline within aerospace engineering that examines how an aircraft moves through the air and how that movement is deliberately managed. It integrates the study of aerodynamics, propulsion, and gravitational forces to analyze and predict an aircraft's performance, stability, and trajectory, which constitutes the "mechanics" aspect. Building upon this understanding, the "control" aspect focuses on the design and implementation of systems—from manual pilot inputs to complex autopilots—that use control surfaces and engine adjustments to guide the vehicle, stabilize its flight, and execute specific maneuvers.

1. Introduction to Flight Mechanics
   1. Fundamental Physical Quantities and Units
      1. Mass and Weight
      2. Length and Distance Measurements
      3. Time and Temporal Measurements
      4. Force Definitions and Applications
      5. Velocity and Speed Concepts
      6. Acceleration Components
      7. Pressure Fundamentals
      8. Density Properties
      9. Temperature Scales
      10. Energy and Work Concepts
      11. Power Definitions
      12. SI Unit System
      13. Imperial Unit System
      14. Unit Conversion Methods
      15. Dimensional Analysis
   2. The Standard Atmosphere
      1. Properties of Air
         1. Air Density Characteristics
         2. Air Pressure Behavior
         3. Temperature Variation with Altitude
         4. Air Viscosity Properties
         5. Humidity Effects
         6. Speed of Sound in Air
      2. Altitude Definitions
         1. Geometric Altitude
         2. Pressure Altitude
         3. Density Altitude
         4. True Altitude
         5. Indicated Altitude
      3. International Standard Atmosphere Model
         1. ISA Assumptions
         2. Standard Sea Level Conditions
         3. Troposphere Characteristics
         4. Stratosphere Properties
         5. Temperature Lapse Rates
         6. Pressure Relationships
         7. Density Variations
         8. ISA Tables and Charts Usage
   3. Basic Aerodynamic Concepts
      1. Fluid Flow Fundamentals
         1. Continuum Assumption
         2. Laminar Flow Characteristics
         3. Turbulent Flow Properties
         4. Boundary Layer Theory
         5. Flow Separation
         6. Streamlines and Streamtubes
         7. Flow Visualization Methods
      2. Compressibility Effects
         1. Compressible Flow Principles
         2. Incompressible Flow Assumptions
         3. Mach Number Definition
         4. Subsonic Flow Regime
         5. Transonic Flow Regime
         6. Supersonic Flow Regime
         7. Hypersonic Flow Regime
         8. Critical Mach Number
         9. Shock Wave Formation
      3. Airspeed Definitions and Relationships
         1. Indicated Airspeed
         2. Calibrated Airspeed
         3. Equivalent Airspeed
         4. True Airspeed
         5. Ground Speed
         6. Airspeed Corrections
         7. Pitot-Static System
         8. Airspeed Indicator Errors
      4. Dimensionless Parameters
         1. Reynolds Number
         2. Mach Number
         3. Froude Number
         4. Strouhal Number
         5. Reynolds Number Effects on Flow
         6. Scale Effects in Testing
   4. Aircraft Components and Configuration
      1. Fuselage Design
         1. Structural Functions
         2. Truss-Type Construction
         3. Semi-Monocoque Construction
         4. Stressed-Skin Design
         5. Fuselage Cross-Sections
      2. Wing Design Elements
         1. Wing Planform Shapes
         2. Aspect Ratio Effects
         3. Wing Loading Concepts
         4. Taper Ratio
         5. Sweep Angle
         6. Dihedral Angle
         7. Incidence Angle
         8. Twist Distribution
      3. Airfoil Geometry
         1. Airfoil Nomenclature
         2. Chord Line
         3. Mean Camber Line
         4. Thickness Distribution
         5. Leading Edge Radius
         6. Trailing Edge Angle
         7. Airfoil Families
         8. Airfoil Selection Criteria
      4. Empennage Configuration
         1. Horizontal Stabilizer Design
         2. Vertical Stabilizer Design
         3. Conventional Tail
         4. T-Tail Configuration
         5. V-Tail Configuration
         6. Canard Configuration
      5. Propulsion System Types
         1. Piston Engine Characteristics
         2. Turboprop Engine Features
         3. Turbojet Engine Properties
         4. Turbofan Engine Design
         5. Ramjet Principles
         6. Rocket Propulsion
         7. Propeller Theory
         8. Jet Thrust Generation
      6. Control Surface Design
         1. Primary Control Surfaces
            1. Aileron Design and Function
            2. Elevator Design and Function
            3. Rudder Design and Function
         2. Secondary Control Surfaces
            1. Flap Types and Functions
            2. Slat Design and Operation
            3. Spoiler Applications
            4. Tab Types and Uses
         3. Control Surface Effectiveness
         4. Control Surface Balance
         5. Control Surface Actuation