Anybody know how the x-zylo toy works? yours truly, physics noob

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the mechanics and aerodynamics of the x-zylo toy, a flying toy known for its impressive distance capabilities. Participants explore its design, functionality, and the underlying principles of flight, including aerodynamics and gyroscopic effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe the x-zylo as a combination of an airfoil and a gyroscope, suggesting that gyroscopic effects help maintain its orientation during flight.
  • There is mention of the airfoil shape potentially creating a low pressure area, which may contribute to the toy's flight capabilities.
  • One participant questions whether the low pressure generated by the airfoil pulls the x-zylo forward, provides lift, or both, indicating a lack of consensus on this aspect.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the application of Bernoulli's principle, suggesting that the net force may be zero if lift is considered at all parts of the toy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the mechanics of the x-zylo, particularly regarding the roles of gyroscopic effects and aerodynamic forces. There is no clear consensus on how these forces interact or their contributions to the toy's flight.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the aerodynamic principles and the specific mechanics of the x-zylo are not fully explored, leaving room for further clarification and discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in aerodynamics, toy design, and the physics of flight may find this discussion relevant.

robhlee
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Hey surely you guys have heard of the x-zylo toy?

Its a toy that has been known to fly 200+ yards.

If you don't know about about it, do a google search on it.

How does it work?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
also, are there any equations for the aerodynamic force and such?
 
Interesting technology. A sideways frisbee.
 
The only thing that comes to mind is that it is a combination airfoil and gyro. The gyroscopic effects help to maintain it's longitudinal axis in the orientation it was in when it was thrown. The airfoil shape, I would think, would have the camber facing towards the center of rotation to produce a low pressure area in the center of the toy. It is a pretty cool idea. That site's video is impressive.
 
Yes, in a nutshell, the gismo is an airfoil that is kept pointing in the right direction gyroscopically. Same principles as a frisbee, only the axis of rotation for gyroscopy is parallel to the angle of attack rather than perpendicular.
 
well, i knew about the gyro, but does the lowered air pressure pull the x-zylo forward or lift it? or both?

I have read somewhere that there is a special synergistic system going on between the gyro and air pressure that is still without general consensus.
 
The reason why i ask about whether its pulled or lifted is that in my aerodynamically novice head, the simple one-wing bernoulli diagram of lift is being applied at all parts of the cylinder, so the net force would be zero. So is the low pressure pulling it forward? please clarify.
 

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