De Castro, Kathleen Joy C.

22-04021

What is the relevance of the aerodynamic forces acting on my aircraft and how I
will establish my criteria in my conceptual design of the aircraft and spacecraft?

Aerodynamic forces in aircraft performance refer to the complex interactions of lift

and drag generated by airflow over the vehicle, directly influencing its speed,
maneuverability, and fuel efficiency. Considering aerodynamic forces in designing aircraft
and spacecraft is essential because they directly impact performance, stability, and
safety, influencing factors such as lift, drag, control, structural integrity, and overall
efficiency of the vehicle during operation. This understanding would help us establish
successful designs for our aircraft and even spacecraft.

Specifically, aerodynamic forces determine the lift-to-drag ratio, which directly

affects the vehicle's performance and efficiency. Optimizing this ratio is crucial for
achieving desired speeds and ranges. According to "Aerodynamics for Engineers" by
John J. Bertin and Russell M. Cummings, lift generation is essential for overcoming
gravity and sustaining flight, while minimizing drag is critical for conserving fuel and
maximizing range. Criteria for conceptual design must focus on achieving an optimal
balance between lift and drag, as stated by "Introduction to Flight" by John D. Anderson
Jr. This balance ensures efficient performance across various flight conditions.

Understanding aerodynamic forces is also fundamental for enhancing stability and

control characteristics. The distribution of these forces across the vehicle influences its
response to control inputs and external disturbances. "Aircraft Stability and Control" by
Wayne Durham and Jan Roskam highlights the importance of tailoring aerodynamic
design to achieve desired stability margins and control authority. Criteria should include
targets for static and dynamic stability derivatives, as outlined in "Flight Vehicle
Aerodynamics" by Mark Drela and Michael Giles. These derivatives quantify the vehicle's
response to changes in attitude, angle of attack, and control inputs.
 Additionally, aerodynamic forces exert significant loads on the vehicle's structure,
necessitating robust design criteria to ensure structural integrity and durability. According
to "Introduction to Aircraft Structural Analysis" by T.H.G. Megson, aerodynamic loads
govern the design of structural components such as wings, fuselage, and control
surfaces. Criteria must address factors such as maximum load factors, gust response,
and fatigue life to guarantee structural reliability under operational conditions, as
emphasized in "Structural Loads Analysis for Commercial Aircraft" by Ted L. Lomax.

Furthermore, aerodynamic performance directly impacts the safety of aircraft and

spacecraft operations. Design criteria should prioritize safety factors to mitigate risks
associated with aerodynamic instability, control deficiencies, and structural failures.
"Safety Design for Space Systems" by Gary E. Musgrave et al. underscores the
importance of incorporating safety margins and redundancy in aerodynamic design to
safeguard against unforeseen events. Criteria should encompass safety-related
parameters such as stall margins, control surface authority limits, and flutter margins, as
recommended by industry standards such as FAA Advisory Circular AC 25.629-1A.

Overall, considering aerodynamic forces and their effects is critical for designing
aircraft and spacecraft that meet performance, efficiency, and safety requirements.
Establishing design criteria based on these forces ensures that the conceptual design
phase lays a solid foundation for the development of successful aeronautical and
aerospace vehicles.