How Can I Integrate Lift, Drag, Mass, and Gravity in Flight Physics Simulation?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on integrating lift, drag, mass, and gravity in flight physics simulations. The user, Andy, has developed a program that currently calculates lift based on parameters such as coefficient of lift (CL), velocity, angle of attack (AoA), wing area, and air density. Andy has successfully implemented drag calculations but seeks guidance on combining all four forces—lift, drag, thrust, and gravity—into a cohesive simulation. A recommended resource for further understanding is the website av8n.com, which provides detailed insights into the physics of flight.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of flight dynamics, including lift and drag forces.
  • Familiarity with programming concepts to implement physics simulations.
  • Knowledge of aerodynamics, specifically the coefficient of lift (CL) and angle of attack (AoA).
  • Basic grasp of Newton's laws of motion, particularly F = ma.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the integration of thrust in flight physics simulations.
  • Explore the effects of varying air density on lift and drag calculations.
  • Learn about the vector sum of forces in flight dynamics.
  • Investigate advanced aerodynamics principles, such as the impact of wing shape on performance.
USEFUL FOR

Aviation enthusiasts, software developers creating flight simulations, and students studying aerodynamics and flight physics will benefit from this discussion.

Gibbon
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Hi ,new here and have a question! :)

Hi all.. ok I am trying to teach my self the best way i can about flight physics. I am an avid avation fan and have been for a long time, i fly planes my self as well as RC planes / helicopters so I am not entirely new to them, but true physics of flight is not somthing you absolutly need to know in order to fly them! :)

So.. i am also a software programmer and i have written a small program to help me understand the formulas and so far I've got a "wing profile" that changes altitude from a result of lift only at the moment. (no gravity, mass or drag)

So.. I've now worked out drag and i have my drag value of the wing (that changes according to AoA, i also have my mass, and gravity.. but unfortunately I've got myself very confused about how i put them all together (if possible).

I know there is a huge amount of factors so I am trying to keep it simple as i can while realistic. (its only for my personal plesure)

For instance, my lift so far only relies on the CL , velocity, AoA, Wing Area and Air Density.

Hope you can help.

Thanks
Andy
 
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There are, in general, four forces acting on the plane. Lift, drag, thrust, and gravity. The vector sum of those forces is the net force. Then acceleration is given by F = m a.
 


I recently came across this site that goes into detail about the physics of flight, among other things (such as piloting).

Specifically this page could be helpful to you.
http://www.av8n.com/how/htm/airfoils.html
 

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