AER2014 : Aerospace Dynamic Systems and Control
- Inactive for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Professor Damian Giaouris
- Lecturer: Dr Glynn Atkinson
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module introduces students to the principles of dynamic systems and automatic control, with a focus on aerospace engineering applications.
Students will learn how mathematical models are used to represent dynamic behaviour, how control systems influence performance and stability, and how simple controllers can be designed to meet specified requirements. The module develops practical insight through lectures, tutorials, MATLAB-based activities, flight simulation and a flight data gathering exercise, helping students connect control theory with aircraft behaviour and real engineering decision-making.
The skills developed in this module provide an important foundation for later aerospace engineering study and for professional roles involving modelling, simulation, flight dynamics, control systems and system performance analysis.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will typically cover:
1. Introduction to dynamic systems and automatic control in engineering and aerospace applications.
2. Mathematical modelling of linear dynamic systems using Laplace transforms.
3. Transfer functions, poles, zeros and system response characteristics.
4. Stability, transient response, steady-state response and performance measures.
5. Block diagram representation of control systems, including feedback structures.
6. Analysis of system behaviour using time-domain and Laplace-domain methods.
7. Root locus and other introductory techniques for controller design.
8. Design and tuning of simple controllers, including PID-based approaches.
9. Use of MATLAB and simulation tools to model, analyse and evaluate control system behaviour.
10. Aerospace applications through flight simulation and flight data interpretation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Preparation and completion of flight control lab report |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Completing formatively assessed tutorial sheets |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Revision for final exam and completion of final exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Flight simulation lab - implementing PID control changes to flight surfaces and investigating effect on flight dynamics |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | General reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | In flight data gathering exercise - mandatory for RAeS accreditation. In groups of 3 student + pilot - flying from North East Flight Academy |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Reviewing lecture notes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Independent use and training on the flight simulators |
| Total | 100:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| ENG2026 | Automatic Control Systems |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide the core material and give students the opportunity to engage with set questions and query material covered in the lecture.
Problem solving is introduced through tutorial sheets will help students’ understanding of each topic.
Matlab based material provide an opportunity to gain practical experience with a variety of instruments and validate the theory introduced in lectures, but is not assessed.
In flight data gathering exercise allows students to experience flight dynamics and control first hand, this is then taken to the flight simulator where variations in PID parameters are applied to flight control surfaces and the effect on flight dynamics investigated (in a safe environment)
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 75 | 2 | A | 80 | 1hr 15mins closed-book exam |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 20 | Report on the effect of control parameters on flight with simulation exercise – 1000 words maximum |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Lab exercise | M | 1 hour flight data gathering exercises + 1 hour brief and 1 hour de-brief (simulation alternative available for students unable to fly) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | A 2-page formative assessment comprising questions on topics covered up to that point to help understanding exam preparation. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve engineering problems focused on basic control systems, assessing knowledge outcomes and skill outcomes (M1, M2, M3, M6).
The formative assessment set later in the semester comprising questions on topics covered up to that point to help students’ understanding and also prepare them for the exam.
Students will be assessed on their ability to tackle engineering problems focused on Automatic Control Systems through the formative question sheet and the summative examination.
The coursework allows students to investigate the effect on flight of altering PID parameters to controlled flight surfaces (in a simulated environment)
The in-flight data gathering exercise allows students to experience flight dynamics and control first hand and is a requirement of their accreditation.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- AER2014's Timetable