Normal modes and manoeuvre analysis in a closed form aircraft dynamic model

 In this seminar, I will first introduce an empirical four-parameter formula for lift and drag on an airfoil, which shows good fits to experimental data. I will then use this formula to obtain a closed form nonlinear dynamical model of the longitudinal or pitch plane motions of an aircraft. The method of time scale separation applied to this model will yield the algebraic approximations of the short period and phugoid modes, the limits on centre of mass position as well as an explicit relation between the horizontal stabilizer deflection and the trimmed airspeed. Next, I will use the model to analyse two manoeuvres – an Immelmann turn and a landing. We will see a novel flaring technique, called steady state flare, which minimizes the probability of flotation and bounce, and maximizes the probability of a greased touchdown, thus increasing safety as well as improving traveller experience. I will conclude the seminar with a discussion of my future research plans.

Speaker : Dr. Shayak Bhattacharjee

Biography :

Dr. Shayak Bhattacharjee obtained his Integrated Master of Science in Physics from IIT Kanpur in 2015 and his PhD from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University in 2021. Following a three-year postdoctoral stint at the University of Maryland at College Park, he returned to India and is currently working for LogiXair, an aerospace startup incubated at IIT Hyderabad. HIs current research interests are in flight dynamics of piloted airplanes and UAVs, as well as in propeller analysis and design. He has also worked on dynamical systems of other kinds such as infectious diseases, violin strings and magnetic levitation devices.