FlightDynamicsCalcs

Calculations, simulations with JSBSim and write up with Marimo notebooks

Marimo notebooks available in the Flight Dynamics Calcs repo.

Roll Performance

A4 Skyhawk Roll Performance

Can the A4 really roll at 720 deg/s or is it a tall tale? Using some aerodynamic data published by NASA let’s take a look.

Fighter Roll Rates

Comparing fighter roll rates based on published aerodynamic data.

Aircraft Carrier

Aircraft Carrier Flight Path Angles

Flight path angle for carrier approaches based on wind over deck, approach speed and meatball angle.

Climb Performance

Level Acceleration Test Technique

Examples of processing flight test data collected during a level acceleration test to determine climb performance.

Level Acceleration - Energy Height - iLevil

Level Acceleration - Energy Height - Dynon

Level Acceleration - Nigel Speedy

Trim Envelope

Trim Envelope

Calculate the set of trim points for an aircraft over a range of airspeeds and range of flight path angles. The required thrust and AoA is indicated for each trim point.

Theory vs Simulation Trim Results

Theory vs Simulation Trim Results

Review the theory of climb performance and then use JSBSim to compare the results to the theory using the excess power calculation and using JSBSim to calculate the maximum rate of climb (ROC) using it’s trim routine. Lastly compare the results to those from a paper presenting climb performance from a TECS based autopilot.

VTOL

VTOL Take-off Failure Options

Looking at some of the options in terms of engine failure(s) during a vertical take-off of an aircraft like the Pegasus Vertical Business Jet (VBJ).

Thrust Vectoring

Thrust Vectoring Analysis

Use JSBSim to compare how varying the thrust vector angle can minimize fuel burn for a given flight condition and compare the results to the NASA report - Optimal Pitch Thrust-Vector Angle and Benefits for all Flight Regimes.

Flight Test Techniques

Rudder Kick

Simulate a pilot performing a rudder kick test by inputing a rudder input based on a ramp input. Aileron input is also included to maintain a steady heading sideslip (SHSS). The time histories of the control inputs and beta (sideslip angle) are plotted.

Atmosphere

International Standard Atmosphere

Calculate the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) temperature, pressure, density and speed of sound at a given altitude.

CAS TAS Mach

Plot routine to calculate and plot the relationship between CAS, TAS and Mach number as altitude varies using the ISA.

EAS - Equivalent Airspeed

Explanation of Equivalent Airspeed (EAS) and how it relates to IAS, CAS and TAS. The relationship is plotted as altitude varies and airspeed varies.

Work In Progress

Notebooks that are still being worked on and not yet ready for prime time.

Generic Global Aerodynamic Model

JSBSim Aerodynamics

Takeoff Speeds Vmu Vr Vlof