What provides the centripetal force for circular motion of airplanes?

[denian]

what provide the centripetal force?

the lifting force on the airplane? or the weight of the airplane? or both?
i read from the book, it says both, but since weight [mg] is always acting downward, how can it provide the centripetal force?

my teacher seems can't help me a lot.

 

[denian]

and is there any webpage that give a good explanation on circular motion of the airplane?

 

[KLscilevothma]

Originally posted by denian
what provide the centripetal force?

the lifting force on the airplane? or the weight of the airplane? or both?
i read from the book, it says both, but since weight [mg] is always acting downward, how can it provide the centripetal force?

I think it is the horizontal component of lifting force which gives necessary centripetal force for banking. In other words, an airplane needs to bank so as to turn in a flight. I don't think weight provides necessary centripetal force as it only acts down as you've said.

 

[enigma]

The lift is the only component unless the plane is flying in a downward spiral.

 

[russ_watters]

HERE is a good explanation of the force components in a turn.

what provide the centripetal force?

Remember, when a plane is in a turn, its banking. The lift is always perpendicular to the wing, which means part of the force (vertical component) can be considered lift and part of the force (horizontal component) can be considered the turning force. Generally though the resultant force of a wing is not vertical, lift is always the vertical component and drag is the horizontal in one axis and turning force is horizontal in the other.

Also remember there is no force to balance the turning force - that's why the plane turns. A turn is an acceleration.

 

[denian]

thank you for the explanation.