Calculating Rate of Climb for Beech Bonanza V-Tailed Aircraft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rate of climb for a Beech Bonanza V-tailed aircraft, focusing on the relationship between power, airspeed, and weight. Participants are addressing a homework problem involving the application of formulas related to excess power and thrust required for level cruise.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the formula for rate of climb as R/C = (excess power)/weight and mentions a True airspeed of 110 knots.
  • Another participant questions the first participant's calculation of power required for level cruise, noting a significantly lower value of 67.6 HP compared to the first participant's higher number.
  • A participant expresses confusion over their calculations and the conversion of units, specifically the multiplication by 60 to convert to ft lbs/min.
  • One participant provides a clarification on the power required formula, showing the calculation of PR = Thrust required x Velocity and converting the result to horsepower using the relationship of 1 HP = 550 ft Lbf/sec.
  • The first participant acknowledges the clarification and expresses understanding regarding the conversion process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the calculations, as participants present differing values for power required and express confusion over unit conversions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified the assumptions behind their calculations, such as the specific conditions for thrust and power requirements. There are also unresolved steps in the mathematical process that could affect the outcomes.

ranger1716
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OK, I have a question regarding this homework that I have to complete about power and airspeed.

I have a beech bonanza v-tailed aircraft and I need to calculate rate of climb in ft/min with a True airspeed of 110 knots. (110 knots = 185.7 ft/s)

I am using R/C= (excess power)/weight My problem is that when I found the power required for level cruise at the same speed as above, I got a huge number because I did PR=Thrust required x Velocity (200.3 lbs x 185.7ft/s)

This going to give me a negative number for my excess power. The power plant is capable of 345 hp at sea level.

What am I doing wrong?
 
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I'm calculating only 67.6 HP for cruise. Where did your huge number come from?
 
I honestly don't know what I'm doing wrong. I used the equation I described above and multiplied by 60 in order to get ft lbs/min.

:confused:
 
[tex]PR = TV[/tex]
[tex]PR = (200.3 Lb_f)(187.5 \frac{ft}{sec})[/tex]
[tex]PR = 37556.3 \frac{ft*Lb_f}{sec}[/tex]

Use the relationship that [tex]1 HP = 550 \frac{ft Lbf}{sec}[/tex]

That leaves [tex]PR = 68.3 HP[/tex]

Why are you multiplying by 60?
 
oh ok...that makes total sense. I was multiplying by 60 to try and convert the units, but now I can see how to get the answer. I didn't use that relationship that you gave.

Thank you!
 

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