6.01 Aircraft Design and Construction References: FTGU pages 9-14, 27 Theory of Flight 6.01 Aircraft Design and Construction References: FTGU pages 9-14, 27
Main Teaching Points Parts of an Airplane Aircraft Construction Landing Gear Standard Terminology
Definition The airplane is defined as: A power-driven… Heavier-than air aircraft… Deriving its lift in flight from aerodynamic reactions… On surfaces that remain fixed under given conditions of flight.
Parts of an Airplane
Parts of an Airplane
Parts of an Airplane
Parts of an Airplane
Fuselage The fuselage is the main body of the aircraft, where the passengers, cargo and crew go.
Fuselage The fuselage is normally classified according to the type of construction: -Truss Type -Monocoque -Semi-monocoque
Fuselage – Truss Type
Fuselage – Semi-Monocoque
Empennage The empennage is the rear portion of the airplane It is integral to control and stability during flight
Wing Construction Spars spanwise members wood or metal carry bending loads Ribs web or truss give wing its cambered shape
Wing Construction Edges Leading Edge Trailing Edge Strength & Shape Wires Internal / External Bracing for strength Covering Metal or Fabric Metal strength
Wing Layouts High Wing Mid Wing Low Wing Bi-Plane
Wing Layouts High Wing Mid Wing Low Wing Bi-Plane
Wing Layouts High Wing Mid Wing Low Wing Bi-Plane
Wing Layouts High Wing Mid Wing Low Wing Bi-Plane
Confirmation
Landing Gear Conventional (Tail-Dragger) - Two main wheels and a tail wheel Tricycle – Two main wheels and a nose wheel Retractable - Wheels may be raised so that they are enclosed in wings or fuselage (reducing drag) Fixed - Landing gear is not designed to retract
Landing Gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear Retractable Landing Gear PROS CONS Reduced drag at cruise Higher cruising speed CONS Added weight Added mechanical complexity Risk of “Gear Up” Landing (land based) Risk of “Gear Down” Landing (amphibious)
Landing Gear Shock Absorption Spring steel Landing Gear Air/Oil oleos Absorb the impact of landing, or the effect of bumps in runway. Spring steel Landing Gear Air/Oil oleos Rubber cords (bungee) or discs Low pressure tires
- Spring Steel Cantilever - Landing Gear Main Landing Gear - Spring Steel Cantilever -
Landing Gear Nose Landing Gear - Air / Oil Oleo -
Landing Gear - Brakes Brakes Provide a means of stopping the aircraft Assist with steering on the ground
Confirmation How would you describe the aircraft to the left? -tail dragger? -tricycle gear? -retractable gear? -float plane? -high wing? -low wing? -mid wing? -biplane? Request the use of the tools to label the aircraft.
Wing Span Wingspan is the maximum distance from wing tip to wing tip
Chord Chord is the imaginary line between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the wing A measure of the width of a wing
Wing Area Wing Area Length of the wing multiplied by the average width of wing
Planform Planform Shape of the wing as seen from above
Aspect Ratio Aspect Ratio Ratio of the span to chord of the wing A measure of how SLENDER the wing is
Airfoil A structure curved to produce lift
Camber Camber A measure of the curvature of an airfoil Mean Camber is the line equidistant between the upper & lower surfaces
Angle of Incidence Angle of Incidence Angle between chord line and the longitudinal axis
Relative Airflow Relative Airflow Airflow over the wing Related to the forward motion of the aircraft through the air
Angle of Attack Angle of Attack The angle between the chord line and the relative airflow It is a measure of how much the wing ‘bites’ into the air
Confirmation Confirmation Check
What kind of landing gear is this? Confirmation What kind of landing gear is this?
What is the angle of attack? Confirmation What is the angle of attack?
What are some of the differences between powered aircraft and gliders? Confirmation What are some of the differences between powered aircraft and gliders?
Confirmation Questions? Reading: From the Ground Up, pages 9-14 The next Theory of Flight Class covers the basic flight controls (6.02)