FLIGHT MECHANICS AND SIMULATION LAB

Course objectives

General objectives This laboratory module aims at providing the students with the basic knowledge for simulating and evaluating of the motion of an aerospace vehicle. Specific objectives - Know how to develop an elementary dynamic model for simulating the motion of an aircraft or spacecraft - Know at an introductory level one or more software for numerical simulation of dynamic systems - Know the main aspects of systems for simulating an aircraft or spacecraft - Understand the differences between software-in-the-loop, processor-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop simulations.

Channel 1
GIULIO AVANZINI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Module 1: Numerical methods for the simulation of dynamic systems: - Basic elements of programming in the Simulink language. The basic library Mass-spring-damper system Pre/Post processing in Matlab. - Advanced handling for high-complexity models. Reuse of components: Libraries, subsystems, and model reference. Object-oriented programming: use of bus signal and bus editor. Masked systems. - Hybrid systems: Continuous time and discrete-time systems. Discrete state systems (Finite State Machine). - Rapid Prototyping S-function and interoperability with C/C++ language codes Source code generation and/or deployment on embedded platforms Real-time soft simulations Examples of Processor / Hardware in the Loop (DSpace) simulations. Module 2: Application to Flight Mechanics: - Introduction to the advanced Aerospace toolbox library - Recalls of the material point and rigid body model in flight dynamics - Development of a model of an atmospheric* (four-rotor), trans-atmospheric* (launcher), and/or extra-atmospheric* (satellite in heliosynchronous orbit) aircraft - Elements of control systems for attitude stabilization and guidance - Description of an ideal/non-ideal model for actuators and sensors. * Students will develop one of these topics as part of their group project.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the Matlab environment. Basic knowledge of flight mechanics and aerodynamics.
Books
1. Zipfel, P.H., "Modeling and simulation of aerospace vehicle dynamics, Third Edition", AIAA Education Series, Reston, Virginia, 2014. 2. Beard, R.W. and McLain, T.W., "Small Unmanned Aircraft: Theory and Practice", Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2012.
Frequency
Although not compulsory, attendance at classes and participation in activities in small groups of students is recommended.
Exam mode
The fail/pass assessment is conducted in two stages: (a) on-going assessment in relation to participation in project development activities (b) at the end of the course when a judgment is made on: > Quality and clarity of the final project report > Quality and clarity of the presentation > Discussion about the project. The evaluation for phase (a) is individual, while that for phase (b) is associated with all group members
Lesson mode
Skills are acquired using a combination of lectures and group activities conducted in the classroom or laboratory.
  • Lesson codeAAF2140
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseAerospace engineering
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year3rd year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • CFU3