Aileron-Air crafts/Rockets control theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the control theory related to ailerons on aircraft and fins on rockets, specifically how to manipulate these control surfaces to achieve desired flight paths. The scope includes theoretical aspects of control systems and practical applications in aerospace engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about controlling ailerons to change an aircraft's path, expressing a willingness to learn more about control systems and inertial navigation.
  • Another participant corrects the initial claim, stating that the elevator, not the aileron, is responsible for changing the aircraft's pitch and that ailerons control rolling maneuvers.
  • A subsequent reply reiterates the correction regarding control surfaces, specifying the roles of ailerons, elevators, and rudders in flight dynamics.
  • A later response confirms the clarification about the control surfaces, indicating agreement with the corrected understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a clear disagreement in the initial understanding of control surfaces, but subsequent posts reach an agreement on the correct roles of ailerons, elevators, and rudders.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a misunderstanding of control surfaces and their functions, which may stem from the initial participant's limited experience in the area. The conversation does not delve into the complexities of control systems or inertial navigation beyond basic definitions.

ameeno97
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Hi all

I have majored in mechanical engineering and I have taken some basic control courses in the universities so I am wondering how to control the aileron on an air craft or fins on a rocket so as to get the path you want.

example : you want to change the air craft path to move up 10 degree (go upward to certain height) by changing the aileron position.

As a mechanical engineer, of course I know the lift and drag equations.

I know little about Inertial navigation and these things but I am ready to read every thing that could help me understanding, so do you have any experience on these area of control?
 
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ameeno97 said:
example : you want to change the air craft path to move up 10 degree (go upward to certain height) by changing the aileron position.

Wrong, the control surface for this is the elevator. The aileron controls rolling (banking) maneuvers this is performed by the control system whether it be fly by wire or cable. Inertial navigation is controlled by a host of sensors and satellites.
 
viscousflow said:
Wrong, the control surface for this is the elevator. The aileron controls rolling (banking) maneuvers this is performed by the control system whether it be fly by wire or cable. Inertial navigation is controlled by a host of sensors and satellites.

Sorry not to be accurate on my example, aileron is to control rolling motion,rudder for yaw axis and elevator for pitch, am I right now? :)
 
Correct.
 

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