Projectile Motion with Lift and Drag

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the distance traveled by a projectile considering lift and drag forces. Key variables include lift coefficient, drag coefficient, launch angle, and initial velocity. The initial movement is analyzed using trigonometric functions for the x and y axes, while the forces acting on the projectile are expressed through differential equations. The final step involves solving for time in the air and determining the projectile's position as a function of time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
  • Knowledge of differential equations
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Basic concepts of lift and drag in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the time-of-flight formula for projectiles
  • Learn about the application of differential equations in physics
  • Explore the effects of lift and drag on projectile trajectories
  • Investigate numerical methods for solving differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in advanced projectile motion analysis involving lift and drag forces.

Padj01
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I need an equation to solve for the distance traveled of a projectile. The variables that I have are lift coefficient, drag coeficient, launch angle and initial velocity. Could someone please help me find the formula I need. Thank you.
 
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First, isolate the initial movement in the x and y axes. For X, use cosine multiplied by the angle, and for Y, use sine multiplied by the angle. Then, take the sum of the forces in each axis.

X=(Forward{X} movement - drag {Coefficient*normal force})

Y=(Upward{Y} movement - gravity + lift {coefficient*normal force})

Then, you can use a time-in-air formula.
 
Then, you can use a time-in-air formula.

You are a far ways aways from the end of the problem, at this stage it is certainly not obvious which ""time-in-air formula" you are talking about.

This is a tedious exercise in differential equations, solve these:

[tex]x'' + \frac{A}{m} x' = 0[/tex]

[tex]y'' - \frac{L}{m} x' + g = 0[/tex]

To get position x and y as functions of time. From here these, you can figure out how far things go (answer: find t @ y = 0 and solve for x(t).)
 

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