Subtopic: Short Period & Phugoid Longitudinal Modes
Question Statement:
Which one of the following figures represents the qualitative variation of absolute
deceleration
dV
dt with altitude h (measured from the mean sea level) for a space
vehicle undergoing a ballistic entry into the Earth's atmosphere?
Options:
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Official Answer Key:
D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE AE 2023 Q.24)**
**1. Governing Concept & Theory**:
Governed by principles of **Dynamic Stability** (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 2023 master key with 100% accuracy.
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