Can a flying pig float in water like a conical pendulum?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a toy flying pig, specifically its motion when attempting to fly in different directions. Participants explore concepts related to conical pendulums, aerodynamics, and the mechanics of the toy's design. The scope includes conceptual exploration and technical reasoning about motion and stability.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the flying pig, when pushed in the opposite direction, does not fly in a circular path, questioning the underlying mechanics.
  • Another participant suggests that the design of the pig's mechanism may favor one direction of flight, potentially due to its construction.
  • Several participants speculate about the aerodynamics of the wings, proposing that instability may arise when the pig is forced to fly backwards.
  • There is a discussion about whether the pig needs to be turned around or simply pushed to change its direction, with uncertainty expressed about the mechanism's behavior.
  • One participant humorously suggests experimenting by floating the pig in water to observe its behavior, introducing a new context for exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying viewpoints regarding the mechanics of the flying pig and its directional behavior. There is no consensus on the reasons behind its motion or the effects of aerodynamics, leaving the discussion unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding due to not having the toy physically present to examine, which may affect their conclusions about its behavior.

ys2050
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I have a question about the flying pig.
A flying pig is just a toy pig with wings that is hung from the ceiling with a string. When you turn it on, it flies in a circle and shows concepts of conical pendulum.
But it only flies in one direction. If you push the pigs in the opposite direction, it will not travel in shape of a circle.
Why is that?
 
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I don't know the details of how the pig is connected to the string or how it flies, but--as mentioned in your previous thread--there's nothing about a conical pendulum that implies one-way motion. However, it's certainly conceivable that the pig mechanism was constructed so as to make it easier to fly in only one direction. Turn the motor off and then give it a push in the opposite direction and see what happens.
 
… is it a bird? … is it a plane? … no! … it's …

ys2050 said:
If you push the pigs in the opposite direction, it will not travel in shape of a circle.
Why is that?

Hi ys2050! :smile:

I did a quick google search - these pigs look fun! :smile:

Does yours have flapping wings? If you move the pig the other way, does it have to "fly" backwards?

If so, maybe the aerodynamics of the wings make it unstable if the wings are forced backwards? :confused:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi ys2050! :smile:

I did a quick google search - these pigs look fun! :smile:

Does yours have flapping wings? If you move the pig the other way, does it have to "fly" backwards?

If so, maybe the aerodynamics of the wings make it unstable if the wings are forced backwards? :confused:

Yeah I think it has something to do with the wings... but I can't figure out exactly how the wings are doing that...! T.T
 
When you try to make it fly in the opposite direction do you turn it around? Or do you just give it a push and it decides which way to go?

Not having the thing in front of me to examine and play with, I can't say for sure, but it would seem rather easy to make the mechanism such that it tends to always go clockwise (or counterclockwise).
 
Doc Al said:
When you try to make it fly in the opposite direction do you turn it around? Or do you just give it a push and it decides which way to go?

Not having the thing in front of me to examine and play with, I can't say for sure, but it would seem rather easy to make the mechanism such that it tends to always go clockwise (or counterclockwise).

When I try to make it fly in the opposite direction, I turn the pig around and give it a little push... in which case, it won't travel in a circle...
 
Can you try this (just for fun): Instead of hanging the pig, float it in a bath of water. See what happens.
 

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