New Flying Machine Idea - Is It Possible?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Starwanderer1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Flying Machine
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a new flying machine concept that utilizes movable curved surfaces, inspired by the Magnus effect, as an alternative to traditional aerodynamic wings. The scope includes theoretical exploration of flight mechanics and the practicality of such a design for personal use.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a flying machine design that replaces traditional wings with movable curved surfaces, suggesting that rotation of these surfaces could generate lift through the Magnus effect.
  • Another participant indicates that while the proposed design could work, it may not be as effective or economical as conventional wings.
  • A different participant mentions historical attempts to use the Magnus effect and similar principles in airships during the 1930s, questioning the viability of modern flying car concepts.
  • There is a suggestion that the idea could satisfy personal adventure desires, though the practicality of implementation remains uncertain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed flying machine design. There is no consensus on whether the concept can be successfully realized or its comparative advantages over traditional designs.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the historical context of the Magnus effect in aviation, but there are unresolved questions about the specific mechanics and feasibility of the proposed design. The discussion lacks detailed mathematical analysis or empirical evidence to support claims.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in innovative aviation concepts, enthusiasts of experimental flight designs, and those exploring the application of aerodynamic principles in new contexts may find this discussion relevant.

Starwanderer1
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
This may be a bit weird but please consider my idea..

Flying Machines like the aeroplane work on the principles of aerodynamic lift employing a special wing structure.

What if I make an alteration to this design such that these "wings" are replaced by moveable "curved surfaces" like the cylinder or any derivative of the sphere which can be moved (actually rotated) by varoious means like paddling or using an engine..
Actually I am trying to employ the Magnus effect, (& as I am not looking for huge scale implementation or commercial success) can this machine really fly by rotating these "wings" (or whtever they are) (predetermining the wind direction & thus adjusting the direction of rotation) just so much as to satisfy a poor man's thirst for adventure??
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
mgb_phys,
Whatever you meant by that last line but I had never seen that icar101 thing & I have no way to prove. But I am happy that my question's answered & as I had thought it can fly (just that it's goin to satisfy much more than a poor man's desire for adventure).
 
It can work but not as well or as cheaply as a regulr wing.
 
Starwanderer1 said:
but I had never seen that icar101 thing & I have no way to prove.

The magnus effect (and similar coanda) has been tried as lifting surfaces, there were a bunch of airships in the 30s that used it as an extra lifting device.
Don't know how real the flying car thing is.

ps. Sorry the sig was added for another thread, I was trying to explain what Irony was.
 

Similar threads

High School Explanation of how spin art machine works
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Graduate Wing pitching moment ( torque not around cg ) - head hurts
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Automotive How can we improve helicopter technology with a new flying car design?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
6K
Automotive How Will Future Flying Car Technology Overcome Turbulence?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
The Principle of the Helicopter
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
13K
New Idea/Twist for a Time Travel-Like Story
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Vertical wind turbine with two concentric rotors
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
What if Gravity could be controlled?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Very Large Scale Wind Generator
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
7K
Mind to Mind: Mr. Dennett & Mr. Gautama Exchange Ideas (part 1)
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
11K