Formula for Paper Airplane Flight?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of paper airplane flight, particularly in relation to a shockwave applet that simulates flight dynamics. Participants explore the equations that might govern the behavior of paper airplanes, including aspects of lift and projectile motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there are equations that approximate the behavior shown in the shockwave applet, suggesting that air resistance may not be a factor.
  • Another participant notes that a mechanically perfect paper airplane with zero attack angle would not generate lift, thus behaving like a projectile.
  • A participant seeks equations related to lift when the airplane performs loops, indicating a desire for a deeper understanding of the physics involved.
  • One participant discusses the nature of projectile motion, questioning if the paper airplane follows a parabolic path and how lift might affect its trajectory.
  • A lighter comment is made about specific settings for paper airplanes, indicating variability in performance without addressing the physics directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the physics of paper airplane flight, with some agreeing on the projectile nature of flight while others question the accuracy of the applet's portrayal of glide distance versus altitude. No consensus is reached on the specific equations or models that apply.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the role of lift and the accuracy of the applet in representing real flight paths. There are unresolved questions regarding the mathematical modeling of paper airplane dynamics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the physics of flight, aerodynamics, and those exploring the dynamics of paper airplanes may find this discussion relevant.

neogeek
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Hey first time poster long time reader, I have a question on the physics behind this shockwave applet. Are there a series or set of equations that could approximate something that is done in this applet?

http://www.workman.com/etcetera/games/fliersclub/

I don't think air resistance is a factor in this, however I do know that when the elevators are set to 0, the plane behaves like a typical projectile motion simulation.

This has been bugging me for quite some time, as I can't understand what equations they would be using to simulate such a thing.

Anway's any comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help
 
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Well, in a mechanically perfect paper airplane, the wings have zero attack angle. So it will behave as if it has no lift. You've got to adjust it so that it lifts.
 
So that's why the airplane was acting like a projectile. would there be any equations to back up what is going on when there is lift involved with the loops?

Thanks for your help
 
neogeek said:
So that's why the airplane was acting like a projectile. would there be any equations to back up what is going on when there is lift involved with the loops?

Thanks for your help
Oh, I have no idea. I didn't even get the Shockwave app to run.

But I have a question for you: When you say projectile path, I assume you mean ballistic - i.e. the path a normal, thrown object would follow. But a ballistic path is simply a parabolic path.

Are you sure that a paper airplane isn't following a parabolic path? Granted, it may be a long gentle one because it has lift, but does the Shockwave movie accurately portray glide distance vs. altitude?

I wonder what the path of a paper airplane would look like if we measured it. Something tells me that the farther it travels, the more its pitch will be downward - which is parabolic (even if it's not ballistic).
 
yay, fun
thanks for sharing that
I don't know the answer to your question, but check out
angle=90 thrust=90 elevator=16
my paper airplanes never do that =)
 

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