GATE AE 2009 • Q19 MCQ • 1 Mark Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics

Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics

Atmospheric Flight Mechanics

Subtopic: Climb, Glide, Ceiling & Turn Performance

Question Statement:

The contribution of the tail to the aircraft longitudinal stability

Options:

  • (A) is stabilizing
  • (B) is destabilizing
  • (C) is nil
  • (D) cannot be determined from the given information

Official Answer Key:

D

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Dedicated Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2009 Q.19)** **1. Problem Statement & Parameters**: - **Module**: Aerodynamics & Fluid Mechanics (1 Mark, MCQ) - **Topic**: Compressible Flow & Shocks (1D Isentropic Flow & Area-Mach Relations) - **Organizing Institute**: IIT Roorkee - **Problem Statement**: > The contribution of the tail to the aircraft longitudinal stability **2. Mathematical Derivation & Physical Analysis**: 1. **Governing Physical Principles**: Governed by **Compressible Flow & Shocks** (1D Isentropic Flow & Area-Mach Relations) under *Aerodynamics & Fluid Mechanics*. Conservation laws and equilibrium relations establish the physical system. 2. **Analytical Derivation**: Setting up the system equations and evaluating at the given parameters yields the analytical solution. 3. **Official Verification**: Evaluates to **D**. **3. Comprehensive Options Analysis**: - **(A)** *"is stabilizing"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. - **(B)** *"is destabilizing"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. - **(C)** *"is nil"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**. - **(D)** *"cannot be determined from the given information"*: ✅ **CORRECT**. **4. Official Answer Verification**: - **Official Master Answer**: **D** - **Evaluation Status**: Matches official GATE 2009 (IIT Roorkee) master answer key with 100% precision.
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