Physics of Flight 1
Physics of Flight 2
100
If you want to achieve flight, what must be your ration of induced vs parasitic power?
You must have more induced power than parasitic power.
100
If you have a very powerful engine and a large aircraft, what type of wings would you need?
Very large wings with large airfoils.
200
Look at the scenario drawn on the board, would this scenario generate lift?
Teacher approval.
200
If you have a small airplane with a weak engine, what type of wings would you need?
Relatively large wings with large airfoils.
300
If you have a very powerful engine and a smaller aircraft, what type of wings would you need?
Small wings with small airfoils.
300
Why were planes like this largely abandoned?
We learned a long time ago more wings do not necessarily mean more lift. In fact more wings often leads to the point of diminishing return.
400
Come up to the board and draw the chord line on this airfoil.
400
If you have a large airplane with a weak engine, what kinds of wings would you need?
More than likely no wings will help the plane achieve flight without a stronger engine.
500
What are three factors that determine wing efficiency?
The type of airfoil, the air-scoop, the amount of induced vs parasitic power, the angle of attack, the point of diminishing return
500
What is the point of diminishing return?
When whatever object you are using, if you add more of that object to your device you will no longer get a positive effect from that object.