- #36
russ_watters
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You'll need to look at the fan curve for the fan to see what pressure it generates at that airflow.
Not to be a know it all but... That is not quite true about bladed fans. I have seen quite a few hovercraft with its lift provided by bladed fans. But I'm a new person about hovercraft myself however I've been able to pick up a few basic facts. The above mentioned is one.russ_watters said:I didn't read all the posts, but in a hovercraft, the pressure needed is exactly equal to the weight of the hovercraft divided by the area of the skirt. It has to be. The catch, of course, is that if the fan isn't capable of generating that much pressure, it won't lift off.
Once the hovercraft lifts off, the height will be determined by what airflow the fan generates at that static pressure (the fan will ride its fan curve to that point as the hovercraft rises).
My guess would be that a bladed fan cannot produce enough pressure to lift a hovercraft. Bladed fans don't produce much pressure. A centrifugal fan/blower is what you would need.
If you want to measure flow/pressure, manometers and pitot-static tubes are pretty cheap or you can make them yourself.
To calculate the air flow needed for a hovercraft, you will need to know the weight of the hovercraft, the desired speed, and the air pressure you want to achieve. You can use the formula Q = m * v, where Q is the air flow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), m is the weight of the hovercraft in pounds, and v is the desired speed in feet per minute. You can also use online calculators or consult with a hovercraft expert for more accurate calculations.
The ideal air pressure for a hovercraft depends on the weight and design of the hovercraft, as well as the surface it will be hovering over. Generally, a pressure of 1-2 pounds per square inch (psi) is recommended for a hovercraft to achieve lift and maintain stability. However, this may vary and it is important to consult with a hovercraft expert for specific recommendations.
Air flow is crucial for a hovercraft to achieve lift and maintain stability. If the air flow is too low, the hovercraft may not be able to lift off the ground or may not be able to maintain a steady hover. On the other hand, if the air flow is too high, it can cause instability and make the hovercraft difficult to control. It is important to calculate and maintain the proper air flow for optimal performance.
Yes, fans and blowers are commonly used to generate air flow for hovercrafts. However, it is important to choose a fan or blower that is powerful enough to provide the necessary air flow for your hovercraft. It is also important to consider the size, weight, and power consumption of the fan or blower to ensure it is suitable for your hovercraft.
There are several methods for measuring the air flow and pressure of a hovercraft. One common method is using a manometer, which measures the pressure difference between the air inside the hovercraft and the surrounding air. Another method is using an anemometer, which measures the speed and direction of the air flow. It is important to regularly monitor and adjust the air flow and pressure of your hovercraft for optimal performance.