theory of flight 6.02 flight controls references: ftgu pages 30-31
TRANSCRIPT
6.02 Flight Controls
• MTPs:– Axes of an Airplane– Movements– Function of the Controls– Flutter– Balancing Controls
Review
• What do the following terms mean?– Wingspan– Chord– Planform– Aspect Ratio– Angle of Incidence– Relative Airflow– Angle of Attack– Airfoil– Camber
Movements
• Roll – movement around longitudinal axis
• Pitch – movement around lateral axis
• Yaw – movement around vertical/normal axis
Function of the Controls
Ailerons cause movement around thelongitudinal axis
This movement is called roll.
Function of the Controls
• Ailerons are controlled using the control column
• Control column RIGHT = right wing down
• Control column LEFT = left wing down
Function of the Controls
The elevator controlsmovement about thelateral axis
This movement is called pitch.
Function of the Controls
• Elevators are controlled using the control column
• Control column FORWARD = nose down
• Control column BACK =nose up
Function of the Controls
• An alternative to the elevator is the stabilator– It is controlled the same way the elevator is– The entire horizontal stabilizer moves to act as an
elevator
Function of the Controls
The rudder controlsmovement around the vertical axis.
This movement is called yaw.
Function of the Controls
• The rudder is controlled using the
rudder pedals
Right rudder pedal = yaw right
Left rudder pedal = yaw left
Flutter
• What is flutter?
• Rolling or weaving motion arising from deflection of a part of the airplane structure that causes the air forces on it to change in synchronism with its natural period of vibration
• Control surfaces must be balanced properly to prevent flutter!
Balancing Controls
• Balancing control surfaces to help pilots move them
• Examples:– Inset hinge balance– Rudder horn– Aileron hinge axes
Balancing Controls
• Addition of mass (usually made of lead) to control surfaces to prevent flutter
• Example:– Lead mass added to rudder horn of glider
Balancing Controls
• A control surface has balance about it’s centre of gravity without airflow over it
• Improper weight distribution can cause flutter
• Static balance must be checked when control surface is repainted
Confirmation
• Draw and label the three aircraft axis.• Which movement occurs around each axis?• Which control surface is used for each movement?