A Study of aircraft lateral dynamics & ground stability

The stability of an aircraft on the runway is dependent on many factors. In this thesis, a mathematical model is developed that allows the ground stability and lateral dynamics of an aircraft to be analyzed while it is in the process of taking off or landing. Only two degrees-of-freedom will be considered: lateral displacement and angular rotation. Equations of motion for the model are developed using Newtonian mechanics. The major components of the aircraft that are included in the model are the main landing gear, the vertical tail, and the tail wheel. The model is developed into both linear and non-linear forms. Comparisons are made between a tricycle gear aircraft and a taildragger. Simulations for both the linear and non-linear model are performed to better understand stability. The results of these simulations are used to comment on the applicability of the linear model