Flight path angle concept question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of flight path angle, specifically whether it can be represented as 356 degrees. Participants explore the definitions and implications of this angle in relation to the horizon and its mathematical representation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the flight path angle can be interpreted as 356 degrees depending on its definition, particularly as the angle between the flight path vector and the horizon.
  • Others argue that 356 degrees is equivalent to 4 degrees when considering the cyclical nature of angles, suggesting that adding 360 degrees can yield a positive representation.
  • A participant questions the definition of flight path angle in the context of the source material, suggesting it may be defined within a range of -180 to +180 degrees.
  • Mathematical expressions related to the flight path angle are introduced, including a formula involving the true anomaly and eccentricity of an orbit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of flight path angle or its possible values, indicating multiple competing views remain regarding its interpretation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of flight path angle, including potential dependencies on specific contexts or sources, and unresolved mathematical interpretations.

Dustinsfl
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Can a flight path angle be 356 degrees?
 
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dwsmith said:
Can a flight path angle be 356 degrees?

Hi dwsmith, :)

Depends on the way it's defined I presume. If it's defined as, angle between the flight path vector and the horizon (refer >>this<<) then 356 degrees will be the same as 360-356=4 degrees.

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Sudharaka said:
Hi dwsmith, :)

Depends on the way it's defined I presume. If it's defined as, angle between the flight path vector and the horizon (refer >>this<<) then 356 degrees will be the same as 360-356=4 degrees.

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

Originally it was -4 so I added 360 to get the positive. So I can then subtract and say it is positive?
 
dwsmith said:
Originally it was -4 so I added 360 to get the positive. So I can then subtract and say it is positive?

Where did you encounter this question and can you please tell us how the flight path angle is defined in the book that you use? I presume that it is defined as an angle in-between -180 and +180.
 
Sudharaka said:
Where did you encounter this question and can you please tell us how the flight path angle is defined in the book that you use? I presume that it is defined as an angle in-between -180 and +180.

$$
\gamma = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{e\sin\nu}{1 + e\cos\nu}\right)
$$
where $\nu$ is the true anomaly and e is the eccentricity of the orbit.
 

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