Roll
In aerospace engineering, 'Roll' refers to the rotational movement of an aircraft or spacecraft around its longitudinal axis, which runs from the nose to the tail of the vehicle. This movement is controlled by the ailerons, which are small hinged sections on the outboard portion of a wing. Ailerons move in opposite directions - when one goes up, the other goes down. The upward moving aileron reduces lift on that wing and the downward moving aileron increases lift on the other wing, causing the aircraft to roll. In spacecraft, roll is controlled by reaction wheels or thrusters. The roll motion is used to change the direction of the vehicle's lift without changing its orientation. It is one of the three axes of rotation in flight dynamics, the other two being pitch and yaw. Understanding and controlling roll is crucial in the design and operation of aircraft and spacecraft, as it directly impacts stability and control.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Magnetic Properties: Magnetic properties refer to the behavior of materials in the presence of magnetic fields. In space and astronautical engineering, understanding the magnetic properties of materials is crucial for designing and operating spacecraft and othe ... Read More >>
- Functional Requirements: Functional requirements are the specific capabilities, behaviors, and features that a space or astronautical system must possess to meet the needs of its users and stakeholders. These requirements are typically derived from the mission obje ... Read More >>
- Booms: In space and astronautical engineering, booms refer to long, slender, and rigid structures that extend from a spacecraft or satellite. Booms are used for various purposes such as deploying antennas, solar panels, and scientific instruments ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06