This course aims to develop an understanding of the dynamics of the helicopter and how improvements in the dynamics can be made. The course covers helicopter flight dynamics, modelling, simulation, vibration and the stability and control of helicopters. The causes, identification and rectification of helicopter vibration problems will be examined. Introduction of aeroelastic effects in the rotor system will be provided so that students are able to understand dynamic effects such as flap-lag flutter, ground and air resonance.

To begin with, a brief review of helicopter aerodynamics will be carried out. Equations of motion of the helicopter will be derived. The structural and inertial coupling terms in the equation of motion will be identified. The aerodynamic stability derivatives and their relations to the stability and performance of the helicopter will be analysed. Dynamics of the helicopter will be studied in the presence of wind disturbances. To provide better understanding of the subject, students will be asked to develop a simulation model of the helicopter in the Matlab Simulink environment. The approach will be to build individual components of the helicopter using first principles method and then combine the individual components to form a complete nonlinear simulation model.

The course assumes that the students have a preliminary knowledge of helicopter aerodynamics. Some computer programming experience in the Matlab environment is highly recommended.