MadSci Network: Physics |
I read Ricky J. Sethi's response to Karen (Ref. 896469155.Ph) regarding her class straw and loop glider project (a loop of paper was affixed perpendicularly to a straw at the center of gravity of the straw). Mr. Sethi explained that the loop is a folded wing of a paper airplane, where the underside of the top surface of the loop provides lift.
There is a similar airplane loop, but without a straw and seemingly without a top surface. It is made by folding a sheet of paper in half diagonally, such that the two short edges of the paper are perpendicular to one another (the resulting shape is akin to the stealth bomber). The longest edge is folded over twice about a half inch. The corners of the longest formed edge are joined to form a loop (the resulting shape is like a Pontiff head dress). The "plane" flies with the largest area side down.
If Karen's "wingless wonder" gains lift from the bottom surface of the top of the loop, this plane seemingly doesn't have enough top area. So how does it fly? If I add an RC motorized propeller to the bottom (inside the loop of a much larger plane), at the center of gravity, and wheels, would I be able to accelerate this plane off the ground?
Re: How does a loop paper airplane gain lift?
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