Analyzing the Time Needed for an Airplane Roundtrip in Windy Conditions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time needed for an airplane roundtrip in windy conditions, specifically addressing the impact of wind on the airplane's trajectory. Key equations derived include the relationship between the airplane's velocity, wind velocity, and time taken for the roundtrip, expressed as $$t_b = \left(1 + \frac{v'}{v - v'}\right)t_a$$. The participants clarify the need for the airplane to adjust its heading to counteract wind drift, leading to the conclusion that the effective ground speed is $$v_{airplane,ground} = v\sqrt{1 - \frac{v'^2}{v^2}}$$. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding vector components in flight dynamics.

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  • Understanding of basic kinematics and vector analysis
  • Familiarity with concepts of relative motion in physics
  • Knowledge of airplane dynamics and wind effects on flight
  • Ability to manipulate and solve equations involving velocities
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Homework Statement
an airplane is supposed to travel from A in a direction due north to B and then return to A. The distance between and B is L. The air speed of the plane is ##v## and the wind velocity is ##v'##. Show that the time for the round trip when the wind is directed due east (or west) is
$$t_{b}=\frac{t_{a}}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v'^{2}}{v^2}}}$$
where ##t_{a}## is half of the roundtrip's time in still air.
Relevant Equations
Vector additon
Because of the wind, airplane was shifted to the east. Assume airplane is shifted D units long from B.
When airplane turnaround, the wind shifted airplane to the east again as far D and to the south as far as L to the A'.
Therefore,
$$2D = (v - v') t_{AA'}$$
But,
$$D = v'(t_{a}/2)$$
Thus,
$$v't_{a} = (v- v') (t_{AA'} $$.
From this relationship, I got
$$t_{AA'} = \frac{v'}{v - v'} t_{a}$$.

Time that needed for roundtrip: A to B', B' to A' and A' to A:
$$t_b = (1 + \frac{v'}{v-v'}) t_{a}$$
$$t_b = (\frac{v}{v-v'}) t_{a}$$

My answer is different from the problem at the denominator. In my answer, (v - v'), but in the problem:: ##\sqrt{v^2 - v'^2}##.

Am I right? Or I made a mistake? Thanks!
 
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I believe the airplane must return to A rather than A’.
In that case, you have one triangle of velocity vectors respect to ground while moving North and another while moving South.
 
Yes. From A to B' to A' then to A right?
 
Ohh I see. I misunderstood the problem and think that v is directed to North, but the wind deviate its trajectory..
Hence, airplane must directed with angle ##\theta## from x neg in order to go to the North if the wind is due East.
From my calculation,
$${v}_{airplane,ground} \hat{j}=(v' - v \cos{\theta}) {\hat{i}} + v sin \theta (\hat{j})$$
Therefore,
$$cos \theta = \frac{v'}{v}$$
And,
$$v_{airplane,ground} = v\sqrt{1-\frac{v'^2}{v^2}}$$
With this velocity I can get the roundtrip time exactly same with the Prob.
Thanks Lnewqban!
 
Last edited:
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