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GATE Exam » GATE Study Materials » Mechanical Engineering » Airplane Performance
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Airplane Performance

This article will highlight the determinants which affect the performance of airplanes.

Table of Content
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Introduction:

Airplanes are the most common mode of transportation in the world. They are used for people, freight and even mail delivery. However, they are not as simple as they seem on the surface. There is a complicated system which is necessary to make them run smoothly and efficiently.

Airplane Performance 

The term “airplane performance” refers to determining factors that influence speed, distance or other aspects of an airplane’s ability to travel in its particular environment with various loads and routes in relation to its cost or effectiveness.

The main performance criteria of an airplane are speed, range and payload. The performance criteria are influenced by many factors, such as air density, which is related to altitude and temperature; airspeed and direction; load factor; weight distribution, which affects center of gravity (CG); engine thrust level; fuel consumption rate; choice of propeller type and shape; location of engines within the wing or fuselage (if separate); and even the shape of the fuselage.

Drag Polar:

The drag polar is antisymmetric, negative (drag coefficient between -0.5 and 0.5) and its axis coincides with the free stream direction of the flow. Drag polar diagrams are used to show the relation of wing and fuselage shape, which can be used in design of aerodynamic research and development to maximize the lift-to-drag ratio with minimal drag. 

The Drag Polar is a visual representation of lift-induced drag along a body’s surface as it flies through a fluid or gas, that shows its change in direction, along an axis perpendicular to its flow direction. For example, a wing’s cross section has a large upward angle through which it slices through the air during flight. Because this is the predominant direction of air flow over the wing, it will tend to create lift.

Take Off:

During takeoff, the main purpose is to accelerate the airplane to flying speed while using as little runway as possible. There are many factors which determine how quickly an airplane can accelerate and take off. This is not only determined by the airplane’s engine power, but also by its design (i.e.: shape of wings and location of its engines). Takeoff speeds for various airplanes can vary from 30 knots per hour to over 200 knots per hour. Some of the fastest airplanes in the world have takeoff speeds up to 300 knots per hour.

Airport Operations:

The length of a runway varies from one airport to another based on their geographical location, climate conditions and size of aircraft which fly out of them. If an airplane takes off, lands, takes off and lands within the same runway, it is known as a “touch and go”. If the aircraft has to go back and forth between the runway after landing, it is known as a “taxi”.

Full Flight: 

Full flight is one of the most important aspects of an airplane’s performance. Full flight occurs when there is no wind on the surface or at any altitude. Full flight is also known as level flight. This usually occurs at high altitude and altitudes can vary depending on if you are flying over land or water. During full flight, air density has decreased significantly with respect to conditions in which takeoff took place. When this happens, the engine will require more thrust (power) to maintain altitude. If the amount of thrust is greater than drag, then the aircraft climbs; if it is less than drag, then the aircraft descends. And if the two are equal, it remains at its current altitude. This can only happen with no wind or air turbulence so that if there were any wind present on level flight, it would cancel out immediately and become zero as there would be no effect as a result of lift or drag.

Airport Ground Operations:

The amount of fuel required to take off will depend on how much weight is on board and how long a runway needs to be in order for an airplane to achieve flying speed. If an airplane needs to climb at a specific angle and gain a certain altitude, then it will need more fuel for that particular flight than on the next flight.

Airport Fuel Operations:

The primary function of fuel is to provide energy for thrust. The pressure which is necessary to provide thrust depends on the altitude of the airplane. Higher altitudes require higher pressures in order to exert enough power. Because of this, airplanes with low pressure turbine engines have higher fuel consumption rates than those with high pressure turbines. Furthermore, the type of fuel and quantity used will also vary based on what direction and location an airplane is flying through and how much thrust it needs for takeoff or landing.

Landing:

During a landing, the altitudes of the airplane, speed and vertical velocity are the determining factors which affect how fast or slow it can land. The longer an airplane’s runway is, the lower its speeds will be in order for it to achieve a landing. The speed at which an airplane is flying during landing is also increased because of friction with the air or ground.

The purpose of an airplane’s landing performance is to maximize passenger comfort and reduce delays. In order to accomplish this goal, there are many factors that must be taken into account while landing.

Conclusion:

The information provided will enable the reader to fully understand how an airplane’s capabilities will determine its landing performance and flight operations. As technology advances and airplanes become more complex, the flight patterns that are used to take off and land at airports continue to change. This will enable the pilot to fly in a way that is more efficient while still maintaining safety standards.

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faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Gate Examination Preparation.

The purpose of an airplane's landing performance is to maximize passenger comfort and reduce delays. In order to accomplish this goal, there are many factors that must be taken into account while landing. True or False?

Ans: False . The main purpose of an airplane’s runway length is to calcu...Read full

What factor determines if an airplane will land at a certain speed or at a higher speed?

Ans: Air resistance . The faster that air molecules are blown against a longer...Read full

How does an airplane's landing gear play a role in its landing performance?

Ans: An airplane’s landing gear allows it to stabilize during descent an...Read full

What is the maximum takeoff weight for a small aircraft?

Ans: This will vary from one country to another and also depends on the airpla...Read full

Ans: False . The main purpose of an airplane’s runway length is to calculate the amount of fuel required for takeoff and landing in order for the pilot to ensure safety and comfort for the passengers. Factors such as engine thrust, weight distribution and other ones are not necessarily a part of this calculation.

Ans: Air resistance . The faster that air molecules are blown against a longer surface, the more friction will be created; this in turn, will slow down an airplane when it is attempting to land.

Ans: An airplane’s landing gear allows it to stabilize during descent and landing. The weight distribution on the airplanes determines the angle that it has to take in order to land safely. Landing gear also allows for adjustments of speed and distance between runways and airplanes. Without landing gear, an airplane would crash because of its inability to stabilize itself.

Ans: This will vary from one country to another and also depends on the airplane’s size and type. For most countries, the maximum takeoff weight ranges from 4,000 to 12,500.

A small aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is heavier than a large aircraft’s in order for it to carry more weight for both passengers and fuel. This ensures that there is more power in order for it to achieve flying speed during takeoff and climb at high altitudes during flight.

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