Course

Aircraft and Spacecraft dynamics

Review of rotational dynamics; rigid body dynamics; Equations of motion of a disturbed aircraft, stability derivatives – contribution from major aircraft components. Longitudinal dynamic stability: characteristic equation, stability criteria and modes. Brief description of lateral and directional dynamic stability – Spiral, roll divergence and dutch roll. Response to inputs, automatic control. Launch vehicle dynamics, Atmospheric entry flight mechanics. Spacecraft dynamics and control: basic concepts, disturbance torques, passive attitude stabilization, attitude determination and controls. Space mission types, Environment, Astrodynamics: fundamentals of orbital mechanics; basic orbital maneuvers.