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Unit outline_

AERO4560: Flight Mechanics 2

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit aims to develop an understanding of the application of flight mechanics principles to modern aircraft systems. Students will gain skills in problem solving in the areas of dynamic aircraft behaviour, aircraft sensitivity to wind gusts, control systems development and aircraft handling analysis. At the end of this unit students will be able to: understand the nature of an aircraft's response to control inputs and atmospheric disturbances, including the roles of the various modes of motion; analyse an aircraft's response to control inputs in the frequency domain using Laplace Transforms and Transfer Function representations; represent and model wind gust distributions using stochastic methods (Power Spectral Density); analyse an aircraft's response to disturbances (wind gust inputs) by combining Transfer Function representations with gust PSD's; understand the principles of stability augmentation systems and autopilot control systems in aircraft operation, their functions and purposes; understand basic feedback control systems and classical frequency domain loop analysis; understand the characteristics of closed loop system responses; understand the characteristics of PID, Lead, Lag and Lead-Lag compensators, and to be competent in designing suitable compensators using Bode and Root-locus design techniques; design multi-loop control and guidance systems and understand the reasons for their structures.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
AERO3560 and AMME3500
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

AMME2500 develops the basic principles of engineering mechanics and system dynamics that underpin this course. AERO3560 Flight Mechanics 1 develops the specifics of aircraft flight dynamics and stability. AMME3500 Systems control covers basic system theory and control system synthesis techniques.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Zi Wang, zihao.wang@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Jeremy Cox, jeremy.cox@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Assignment 1 - Aircraft Response to Control Input
Individual technical report
20% Week 05
Due date: 10 Sep 2021 at 23:59
Max 20 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO1
Online task Quiz 1 - All material assessed in Assignment 1
Live quiz conducted during the lecture hour
10% Week 06
Due date: 15 Sep 2021 at 10:00
Max 10 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6
Assignment Assignment 2 - Stochastic Input and Gust Modelling
Individual technical report
15% Week 08
Due date: 08 Oct 2021 at 23:59
Max 20 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Online task Quiz 2 - All material assessed in Assignment 2
Live quiz conducted during the lecture hour
10% Week 09
Due date: 13 Oct 2021 at 10:00
Max 10 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5
Assignment group assignment Assignment 3 - Closed-Loop Control System Design and Analysis
Group technical report
35% Week 13
Due date: 12 Nov 2021 at 23:59
Max 30 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Small continuous assessment Weekly Tutorial Task
Exercises to be done and checked by the end of the tutorial
10% Weekly Max 3 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Assignment 1: Aircraft response
  • Assignment 2: System identification and gust modelling
  • Assignment 3: Control system design, closed loop response and system analysis
  • Quiz 1: All material assessed in Assignment 1 as scheduled.
  • Quiz 2: All material assessed in Assignment 2 as scheduled.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The penalty for lateness is 5% per day. The penalty would apply from the next calendar day after the deadline. The penalty is a percentage of the available mark and is applied to the mark gained after the submitted work is marked (e.g., an assignment worth 100 marks is 1 day late. The content is given a mark of 75. With the 5% penalty, the final mark is 70).

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction, review of flight mechanics and system dynamics, linearisation methods Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Modal approximation, simulation framework, Laplace transform, transfer functions Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Deterministic inputs, properties of transfer functions, poles and zeros Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Frequency response, bode plot Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Time and frequency domain representations, probability concepts Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Stochastic processes and PSDs Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Turbulence modelling, gust response Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 08 Aircraft response to turbulence, aircraft response to stochastic inputs Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 09 Closed-loop stability and performance, stability augmentation and autopilot system. Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 10 Root-locus and bode compensator design techniques, PID conpensator characteristics Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 11 Control loop design, guidance loop design Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 12 Multirotor dynamics, multirotor autopilot Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 13 Multirotor closed-loop stability Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7 LO9 LO10
Weekly Lecture material prestudy and revision; Working on assignment problems. Independent study (90 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment: 1) Tutorial – Tutorials average 2 hrs per week and are conducted in the computer laboratory. These involve instruction on methods and approaches to solution of assessable problems. 2) Independent Study – Problem based learning via solution of assessable problems. On the basis of 1 hr per week per CP.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop the ability to work as a member of a team and to take responsibility for the meeting of project goals and completion of project sub-tasks. Communicate with team members to negotiate strategies to satisfy project requirements
  • LO2. programme in Matlab to analyse dynamic aircraft behaviour, aircraft sensitivity to wind gusts, control system development and aircraft handling analysis
  • LO3. develop skills in the preparation and presentation of analytical and design reports to standards expected in industry
  • LO4. understand the nature of an aircraft’s response to control inputs and atmospheric disturbances, including the roles of the various modes of motion
  • LO5. analyse an aircraft’s response to control inputs in the frequency domain using laplace transforms and transfer function representations
  • LO6. represent and model wind gust distributions using stochastic methods (power spectral density). Analyse an aircraft’s response to disturbances (wind gust inputs) by combining transfer function representations with gust PSD’s
  • LO7. understand the principles of stability augmentation systems and autopilot control systems in aircraft operation, their functions and purposes
  • LO8. understand basic feedback control systems and classical frequency domain loop analysis
  • LO9. understand the characteristics of closed loop system responses
  • LO10. understand the characteristics of PID, Lead, Lag and Lead-Lag compensators, and be competent in designing suitable compensators using Bode and Root-locus design techniques. Design multi-loop control and guidance systems and understand the reasons for their structures.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
LO6
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
LO7
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.
LO8
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
LO9
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

2020-Removed final exam and added interim quizzes to encourage continued learning. 2021-Added contents directly related to UAV control problems, using state-of-the-art hardware in a case study. Completely revamped the lecture slides to allow more dynamic interaction between students during the live lecture sessions.

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