How Is Lift Force Calculated for a Helicopter?

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SUMMARY

The lift force exerted by the air on a 4600 kg helicopter accelerating upward at 2.0 m/s² can be calculated using Newton's second law, F=ma. The weight of the helicopter (w=mg) is 45000 N, and the total lift force must overcome this weight while also providing the upward acceleration. Therefore, the lift force is calculated as 4600 kg * (9.81 m/s² + 2.0 m/s²), resulting in a total lift force of 55026 N.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of Free Body Diagrams
  • Familiarity with the concepts of weight and mass
  • Ability to perform basic physics calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of lift in aerodynamics
  • Learn how to create and interpret Free Body Diagrams
  • Explore advanced applications of Newton's laws in aviation
  • Research the effects of varying acceleration on lift forces
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding helicopter dynamics and lift calculations.

tennisacerg
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A 4600 kg helicopter accelerates upward at 2.0 m/s^2. What lift force is exerted by the air on the propellors?

I don't know how to do it.

Please help :confused:
 
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tennisacerg said:
A 4600 kg helicopter accelerates upward at 2.0 m/s^2. What lift force is exerted by the air on the propellors?

I don't know how to do it.

Please help :confused:

Draw a Free Body Diagram (with every force) and remember that [itex]F=ma[/itex] and [itex]w=mg[/itex].
 

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