How do the principles of physics apply to building styrofoam planes?

[Geno]

Hi everyone, I really would like to know the whole background with physics dealing with how planes work, and if making a Styrofoam plane is the same idea with physics but just slightly different. I am a college student majoring in physics and trying to start a company somewhat dealing with physics. Like i.e. building styrofoam planes. Thanks!

 

[davenn]

hi there
welcome to PF

Hi everyone, I really would like to know the whole background with physics dealing with how planes work,

so being a university student you understand the importance of research ?
what initial things have you discovered so far in your looking around on the net ?Dave

 

[Drakkith]

Hi everyone, I really would like to know the whole background with physics dealing with how planes work, and if making a Styrofoam plane is the same idea with physics but just slightly different. I am a college student majoring in physics and trying to start a company somewhat dealing with physics. Like i.e. building styrofoam planes. Thanks!

Would this be more fully covered under Aerospace Engineering instead of Physics?

 

[berkeman]

Hi everyone, I really would like to know the whole background with physics dealing with how planes work, and if making a Styrofoam plane is the same idea with physics but just slightly different. I am a college student majoring in physics and trying to start a company somewhat dealing with physics. Like i.e. building styrofoam planes. Thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

Please read this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airplane

and if you have specific questions about that reading, feel free to ask them here. And the biggest problem with a purely Styrofoam plane would be the lack of strength of the material.

 

[berkeman]

Would this be more fully covered under Aerospace Engineering instead of Physics?

Good point. I moved the thread now to the ME/Aero forum.

 

[Drakkith]

And the biggest problem with a purely Styrofoam plane would be the lack of strength of the material.

You just need really small planes!

 

[berkeman]

You just need really small planes!

http://www.gyroscope.com/images/thumbnails/MOTORPLANE-450.jpg