Multibody Modeling and Dynamical Analysis of a Fixed-Wing Aircraft

This study is aimed at developing a simplified virtual model capable of simulating the dynamic behavior of a fixed-wing aircraft by applying the multibody approach. The case of an aircraft with simplified aerodynamics, an axial thrust, and without control surfaces is considered. After modeling the aerodynamic actions following a Lagrangian approach, the equations of motion are analytically derived and numerically implemented in a MATLAB computer code to develop a virtual model capable of simulating the dynamic behavior of the aircraft. Finally, the numerical results found are presented and a discussion on the numerical results is provided, paying attention to the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, which is considered as the case study.