Simplifications of the

equations of motion
Dr. ir. Mark Voskuijl
Daan Westerveld
Delft University of Technology

AV8PIX Christopher Ebdon - CC - BY – NC - SA

 AE1110x - Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering

Simplications of the equations of motion

The general equations of motion perpendicular and parallel to the airspeed vector state:

W dV
FkV : g dt = T cos t D W sin
X

W d
F?V : g V dt = L W cos + T sin t
X

Under certain conditions it is possible to simplify these equations. These conditions will be explained
here.
Straight ight
In straight ight the aircraft center of gravity travels along a straight line. This implies that the
change of ight path angle with time equals zero: dd t = 0.
Steady ight
During steady ight the forces and moment on the aircraft do not vary in time, magnitude nor
direction. This means that all accelerations on the aircraft are equal to zero: dd t = ddVt = 0.
Horizontal ight
During horizontal ight the aircraft is not climbing nor descending. This means that the ight path
angle of the aircraft equals 0: = 0.
Symmetric ight
In symmetric ight the sideslip angle equals zero:  = 0. Moreover, in symmetric ight the plane
of symmetry of the aircraft is perpendicular to the Earth, meaning that the aircraft is not turning
(banking).

An example
As an example on how to use these simplications consider an aircraft performing a steady, hor-
izontal and symmetric ight. Furthermore, the aircraft propulsion system is installed in line with
the airspeed vector. In this case the equations of motion reduce to:

0
W dV *0
: 1 D W sin
FkV : g dt = T cos
X 7
t


0


W d
F?V : g V dt
 = L W :1 + T
cos  :0
sin
X 7

t


This can be written as:

FkV : T = D
X

F?V : L = W
X

Simplications of the equations of motion 1