Nonlinear Analysis of Flight Dynamics at Large Angles of Attack and Sideslip

Results from nonlinear dynamical systems theory are used in understanding fighter aircraft flight dynamics at large angles of attack and sideslip. Instabilities encountered at large angles of attack and sideslip like pitch-up, nose-slice, wing-rock are readily examined within the context of bifurcation theory. An example of nonlinear analysis using a reduced order model and a combined symbolic/numeric computational approach is discussed. It will be shown that dynamical systems theory provides useful guidelines for flight simulation and testing at large angles of attack and sideslip.