Moving Airplane; Strongman Competition

In summary, the video discusses the possibility of a person pulling a plane without assistance. The weight of the plane is around 200,000 pounds and it is mentioned that it takes 440 Newtons to pull a car. Using a similar calculation, it would take around 2660 Newtons to pull the plane, which is comparable to the force needed to lift Olympic weights. It is also mentioned that airplane tires have better rolling resistance and are inflated to optimal pressures, which could reduce the required force to pull the plane.
  • #1
leroyjenkens
616
49
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiestvrumYM

Is this possible without assistance? I don't see how he could even get that plane moving. I think maybe he could KEEP it moving, but what do you guys think?
 
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  • #2
to see what is required first answer some questions:

1) heaviest weight lifted by a person

2) weight of the plane (~200K lbs)

3) rolling resistance for tires on asphalt and radius of tires

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/rolling-friction-resistance-d_1303.html

In the previous article they mention it takes 440 Newtons to pull a car

so doing a simular calculation for a plane:

F = c * (mass.of.plane) * g = 0.03 * 9070 kg 9.81 = 2660 N

and comparing it to force needed to lift Olympic Gold medalist weights:

snatch weight (mass.of.weight) * g = 214 kg * 9.81 = 2099 N

and clean/jerk weight (mass.of.weight) * g = 263 kg * 9.81 = 2580 N

so both numbers are in the ball park of human endurance.

Some things to consider a the rolling resistance of airplane tires better than car tires (I'd say yes) and they are probably inflated to optimal pressures to minimize flattening and promote rolling. Better rolling reduces the required Newtons to pull.
 

What causes an airplane to move?

An airplane moves due to the principles of lift and thrust. Lift is generated by the wings of the airplane using a combination of the Bernoulli principle and Newton's third law of motion. Thrust is provided by the engines, which use the principle of action and reaction to propel the aircraft forward.

How does air resistance affect an airplane's movement?

As an airplane moves through the air, it experiences air resistance, also known as drag. This force acts in the opposite direction of the airplane's movement and can slow it down. Pilots can adjust the shape and position of the airplane's control surfaces, such as flaps and ailerons, to reduce drag and improve the airplane's movement.

What factors affect the strength of a strongman in a competition?

The strength of a strongman in a competition is affected by various factors, including their muscle mass, training regimen, nutrition, and genetics. Additionally, factors such as technique, mental focus, and adrenaline levels can also play a role in their performance.

How does air pressure change during an airplane's flight?

As an airplane gains altitude, the air pressure decreases. This is because the air becomes less dense at higher altitudes. The change in air pressure can affect the airplane's performance, which is why pilots must adjust the airplane's controls accordingly.

What are the different types of forces involved in an airplane's movement?

The main forces involved in an airplane's movement are lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Lift is generated by the wings and opposes the force of weight, which is the pull of gravity on the airplane. Thrust overcomes drag, which is the force of air resistance. These forces work together to allow an airplane to move through the air and maintain its flight.

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