Help with Physics of Airplane Flight - Glider Planes, Lift/Drag/Air Resistance

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the physics of airplane flight, specifically regarding glider planes and the concepts of lift, drag, and air resistance. The user expresses difficulty in finding formulas that incorporate air resistance, noting that many sources only discuss lift-to-drag ratios without addressing this critical factor. NASA's resources are highlighted as a valuable source for comprehensive information on these topics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of including air resistance in flight physics calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic aerodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with lift and drag concepts
  • Knowledge of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Ability to interpret scientific formulas related to flight
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore NASA's resources on glider plane aerodynamics
  • Research the impact of air resistance on flight dynamics
  • Study lift-to-drag ratio calculations in detail
  • Investigate advanced aerodynamic formulas that include air resistance
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the detailed mechanics of glider flight and the effects of air resistance on performance.

Inspector Gadget
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I need help with the physics of airplane flight with lift, drag, etc. I can find a lot of information about it, but I can't find any formulas...probably because everything I've found neglects air resistance.

Can anyone provide links to sites that would help with this?

I'm looking for info particularly in glider planes, sort of like the ones the Wright Bros. flew.

Thanks for any help.
 
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NASA has always been my favorite source for such info. This site within NASA.gov has a lot of links and should tell you whatever you need to know.

BTW, are you saying that all the sources you've found talk about lift-to-drag ratios while neglecting air resistance? Not only is that shamefull, I don't even see how it's possible!

Could you give a link, I'm curios as to how this was accomplished.
 
Sorry, I worded that incorrectly. I meant to say that I couldn't find any formulas, and the few sites I do find formulas for do so neglecting air resistance (which, just by looking at the the formulas they gave without really looking into it, simply make it Newton's Law's with different variables).

That site has exactly what I'm looking for...thanks for the help.
 

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