Paper Plane Distance Experiment: Power & Energy Calculation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a mechanical paper plane thrower designed for a CREST award experiment, powered by a 9V battery and utilizing two motors. The user has tested various paper planes, recording their distances traveled based on weight and paper density (gsm). They seek to calculate the energy in joules required for each plane to travel specific distances and are struggling to formulate a comprehensive equation that accounts for multiple variables like weight and distance. Suggestions include using separate formulas for different weights and considering the aerodynamics of the planes in relation to the work done. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear equation to determine power based on the mechanics of the thrower and the characteristics of the planes.
Timizorzom
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I'm doing an experiment to get my silver CREST award, in which I've created a mechanical paper plane thrower. I have thrown various types of plane, but all with the same design. The thrower uses a 9V battery, but is more like 6 now. The thrower has two motors, each which take 70mA. The thrower throws consistently with a percentage difference of each throw being <3%, and each plane spends around 0.3s on the launcher before leaving its grasp.

My results are as follows:
A4 75gsm plane weighing 4.7g travels 4.37m
A4 60gsm plane weighing 3.8g travels 3.33m
A5 75gsm plane weighing 2.4g travels 3.80m
A5 60gsm plane weighing 1.9g travels 2.20m

I am trying to find the number of joules each plane takes to get x meters, by finding the j/kg. The j/kg should give me m^2/s^2 which would enable me to work out the power required to throw a 1ton aluminium plane for 1km.
However, no matter how hard i try, i cannot get the equation to work for more than 1 value at a time.

Can anyone come up with an appropriate equation to work out power or energy from distance, weight and other measurable variables?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the gsm parameter? grams per square metre of the paper?
 
Yes. i have put the weight next to it anyway just for reference.
 
Well, you should have two formulae, one for each weight.
airplanes.png

OK, hm. You want two parameters, weight and gsm.
 
Should i?
I want to be able to vary the weight to find the power. Surely i would have to fit it in the same equation?
 
To get power, you might divide work (the distance the launcher arm moves multiplied by the integral with respect to time of force as a function of time) by 0.3 s.

The distance a glider flies (for a given amount of work) varies depending, in part, on its aerodynamics.
 
Last edited:

Thread 'The Physics of unloading sand from a barge'

I think it's easist first to watch a short vidio clip I find these videos very relaxing to watch .. I got to thinking is this being done in the most efficient way? The sand has to be suspended in the water to move it to the outlet ... The faster the water , the more turbulance and the sand stays suspended, so it seems to me the rule of thumb is the hose be aimed towards the outlet at all times .. Many times the workers hit the sand directly which will greatly reduce the water...
View full post »

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top