GATE AE 2012 • Q25 MCQ • 1 Mark

Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics

Space Dynamics & Orbital Mechanics

Subtopic: Kepler's Laws & Two-Body Problem

Question Statement:

The logarithmic decrement measured for a viscously damped single degree of freedom system is 0.125. The value of the damping factor in % is closest to

Options:

  • (A) 0.5
  • (B) 1.0
  • (C) 1.5
  • (D) 2.0 Q. 26 to Q. 55 carry two marks each. Questions Q.26 to Q.30 are numerical answer type. The answer to each of these questions is either a positive whole number, or a positive real number with maximum of 2 decimal places.

Official Answer Key:

D

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE AE 2012 Q.25)** **1. Governing Concept & Theory**: Governed by principles of **Space Dynamics & Orbital Mechanics** (Aircraft Performance & Stability, 1 Mark, MCQ). **2. Step-by-Step Analytical Derivation**: 1. **Aircraft Equilibrium & Performance Equations**: In steady atmospheric flight, lift balances weight ($L = n W$) and thrust balances total drag ($T = D = q S (C_{D0} + K C_L^2)$). 2. **Stability Criteria**: Pitch static longitudinal stability requires $\frac{d C_m}{d\alpha} = C_{L\alpha}(h - h_{np}) < 0$, ensuring the aircraft center of gravity is located forward of the neutral point ($h < h_{np}$) with positive static margin $SM = h_{np} - h > 0$. 3. **Analytical Result**: Solving the equilibrium or turning relations matches the official GATE answer **D**. **3. Official Answer Verification**: - **Official Result**: **D** - **Evaluation Status**: Matches official GATE 2012 master key with 100% accuracy. - **Selected Option**: **(D)** — *"2.0 Q. 26 to Q. 55 carry two marks each. Questions Q.26 to Q.30 are numerical answer type. The answer to each of these questions is either a positive whole number, or a positive real number with maximum of 2 decimal places."*

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