Comprehensive Analysis of Aircraft Dynamics Stability with SCSim: Integration and Assessment

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic stability of aircraft using modules of the software named SCSim (Stability and Control Simulation Tool), which is dedicated to the analysis of aircraft stability and control. The stability of an aircraft can be examined in two directions: longitudinal and lateral. The ability to determine an aircraft's limits and handling qualities depends on its stability. This study report demonstrates a complete dynamic stability analysis using SCSim with aerodynamic input data from the commercial software Advanced Aircraft Analysis (AAA). SCSim is implemented within a common framework in MATLAB, adapted from a MATHCAD script, providing an easier way to enter user-defined input data, and introducing a set of new features. The study is divided into three main parts, each based on an analysis of stability. First, static stability is examined to understand how the system behaves when it is in equilibrium. Then, dynamic stability is assessed to understand how the system reacts to perturbations and disturbances. Finally, handling qualities systematically assess the dynamic modes of the aircraft's behavior and establish the levels of handling qualities. In this paper, a generic model of a propeller-driven aircraft is used for the study due to the availability of flight parameters, geometric, and aerodynamic data. The obtained results demonstrate the capabilities of the Stability and Control Simulation Tool (SCSim) in designing and analysing an aircraft's stability under various flight conditions and configurations, with validation using AAA.