All Questions
22
questions
0
votes
1
answer
41
views
Calculating aerodynamic forces on a random object
I've set out to designing a game that would let the user design a vehicle/plane and then fly it around and I'm interested in what would be the best way to go about the physics aspect of it.
The 3d ...
- 1
1
vote
0
answers
33
views
PI controller - output calculation [closed]
The propeller of an airship is connected to a DC motor. The motor is being controlled using a PI controller. The PI controller has a proportional gain of Kp = 2, and an integral gain of Ki = 0.5, and ...
- 31
1
vote
1
answer
311
views
Which direction will a truncated cone be pushed by airflow?
Consider the shape below, with the bottom and top faces being holes.
Imagine we hold the shape in place and blow a wind into the big hole.
The air will exit the small end at a higher velocity due to ...
- 107
5
votes
2
answers
357
views
Relative efficiency of airplanes and helicopters, why is this argument wrong?
I'm trying to better understand why helicopters are less fuel efficient per unit distance than airplanes. One argument I keep seeing in other questions on the topic is that helicopters actively ...
- 2,714
19
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Why is an airfoil shaped like a teardrop?
I understand the reason airfoils are cambered on the top: to create lift. But one would assume this would result in aircraft wings having a semicircle-shaped design. Why is the cross-section of an ...
- 307
0
votes
1
answer
253
views
What is the difference between a kite and a glider?
A kite and a glider, both fly without an engine. If both are unpowered, then what is the difference between a kite and a glider? Are all gliders kites? Or are all kites gliders? How do they differ? ...
- 177
0
votes
0
answers
38
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Finding aerodynamic coefficients of an airfoil using numerical data measured in wind tunnel
I am trying to find all the aerodynamic coefficients of an airfoil at different angles of attack. I have .DAT files for data which have 4 columns of data all in order {angle of attack[deg], Lift[N], ...
1
vote
2
answers
1k
views
What is the bare minimum of air density you need to fly a helicopter?
How high will a helicopter be able to fly before the propellers have not enough air particles to achieve lift?
What is the minimum air density needed to achieve flight with a helicopter?
Could you ...
- 121
1
vote
0
answers
162
views
How does a ram-air parachute move forward?
I'm trying to understand the "physics" behind the flight of a ram air parachute,
Do you know / how could I know, whether the main parameter that makes a ram-air parachute move forward is:
...
- 11
2
votes
0
answers
126
views
Drag and lift as a function of speed
Assuming turbulent flow, the drag force $F_\mathrm d$ and the lift force $F_\mathrm l$ are usually given in terms of the following equations
$$ F_d\, =\, \tfrac12\, \rho\, u^2\, c_d\, A $$
$$ F_l\, =\...
- 3,543
1
vote
2
answers
203
views
Problem involving the 4 forces that maintain an airplane in level flight [closed]
The 4 forces affecting an airplane in level flight are gravity, lift, thrust, and drag. By
altering one, the others are affected. My question is could a wing (retractable) be installed on top of a ...
- 7
3
votes
4
answers
257
views
Why doesn't my flight aerodynamics maths work? [closed]
Context:
For some context, I'm a game developer and I'm building a flight sim game. My goal is to have realistic flight physics -- not arcade physics.
I'm having issues with the maths -- it is not ...
- 131
4
votes
2
answers
192
views
Is the physics behind planetary travel simpler than atmospheric travel?
I've been watching a bunch of documentaries lately and had a question that I couldn't really figure out the answer to online. When spacecraft travel through space, are the equations and physics used ...
- 173
0
votes
0
answers
176
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Thrust needed from an engine to reach orbit
Assume you had an airplane with magical engines that didn't need fuel, air or power, to operate. What thrust to ground weight ratio would the airplane need to reach orbit? By ground weight I mean mass ...
- 652
-2
votes
1
answer
53
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Effect of Bodyform on Air Resistance [duplicate]
Visualize those little pictures as the front of vehicles like airplanes and trains. I wonder if I am right about my speculation below, and if so, if somebody could explain the exact reason. Sources ...