Laboratory No 4 : Orientation Dynamics

Cesar Eduardo Perez Betancourt

Flight Dynamics Laboratory

Abstract: The objective of this laboratory is using MATLAB perform a simulation of the
orientation dynamics of an aircraft, using the Newton-Euler model.

1. INTRODUCTION

Flight dynamics is the science of air vehicle orientation

and control in three dimensions.
The three critical flight dynamics parameters are the an-
gles of rotation in three dimensions about the vehicle’s
center of gravity (cg), known as pitch, roll and yaw. Con-
trol systems adjust the orientation of a vehicle about its
cg. A control system includes control surfaces which, when
deflected, generate a moment (or couple from ailerons)
about the cg which rotates the aircraft in pitch, roll, and
yaw.
For example, a pitching moment comes from a force ap-
plied at a distance forward or aft of the cg, causing the
aircraft to pitch up or down. Roll, pitch and yaw refer to
rotations about the respective axes starting from a defined
steady flight equilibrium state. The equilibrium roll angle
is known as wings level or zero bank angle .

The attitude of an aircraft is defines as the angular ori-

entation of the airframe fixed axes with respect to earth
axes. The orientation equations are described by:

2. PROCEDURE

2.1 Obtain the state variables of the orientation dynamics

For the simplicity of this assignments the variables were

substituted for common variables in flight dynamics to
ease it off.
 2.3 Obtain the response of the Euler angles p, q and r in
a SIMULINK Schematic

Angular velocities p, q and r

Euler angles

2.2 Use the values of the J matrix obtained and the step
functions with delays as inputs T

3. CONCLUSION

The expected results were obtained, as can be seen in the

graphs, since there is no moment in any axis, the aircraft
will continue in its straight and level flight in case of thrust,
the aircraft will move in X but not in Y and Z.
In the simulation there is no movement in any axis since
we do not have that motor thrust; When momentum is
generated in any axis, the aircraft began to move depend-
ing on it. it constantly moves on its Y axis presenting
disturbances, it constantly turns to one side also a collapse
due to the lack of support generated by this maneuver. By
increasing the pitch moment, the aircraft will present a
constant movement in the X and Z axes, while by having
a yaw moment, the aircraft will be in constant movement
in the X and Y axes due to the rotation caused by the
vertical stabilizer.

REFERENCES
Michael V. Cook. (2007). Flight Dynamics Principles.
USA: Elsevier.