Questions tagged [aircraft-design]
For questions about how certain features of an aircraft affect its performance and function, such as engine type or wing configuration.
68 questions
0 votes
4 answers
148 views
vehicle idea for a decrease in friction
I have an idea for a vehicle that is like a plane but removing the main lifting surfaces so that the way it moves is by using lift at the back for support while keeping the front two wheels contacting ...
- 3
0 votes
1 answer
135 views
How to calculate the aircraft ground run distance?
I am stumped with calculating the ground run length of an aircraft. I have access to formulas etc which would usually be used. However, I feel like I'm lacking the data needed to answer these ...
- 1
0 votes
1 answer
63 views
For a modern Turboprop/Jet will going at 300/400 mph TAS at 10000 feet require more thurst/use more fuel per unit time vs going 600mph at 30,000 feet?
My understanding is one of the primary reasons why modern planes Cruise at around 30,000 to 40,000 ft is because of the lower air density less results in less drag. So for a given thrust, an airplane ...
0 votes
1 answer
96 views
Minimal width of a carbon fiber shell to hold a flying airship
In Aves Æternæ: Building Perpetual Flying Machines you can find the specs for an airship with a rigid carbon fiber shell. It would be around 4m long and 2m wide and high, weigh around 10 kg empty (0 ...
- 101
8 votes
6 answers
5k views
Can we add treadmill-like structures over the airplane surfaces to reduce friction, decrease drag and producing energy?
I am curious about a method to enhance the efficiency of passenger aircraft during cruise speeds by integrating treadmill-like structures on the fuselage and beneath the wings without changing the ...
- 81
0 votes
2 answers
181 views
Is a centrifuge force-based levitation system operable in the real world?
In the sci-fi comic Betelgeuse, the artist Leo presents a flying car with an unusual system for levitation and propulsion. The interesting point is that at the end of the comic, there is a page on ...
- 171
1 vote
2 answers
883 views
Infinite life of a material, Fatigue Strength
After 10^6 cycles a component is considered to have infinite life. What makes 10^6 cycles a deciding factor for infinite life? Why not 10^8?
- 13
0 votes
0 answers
66 views
Pitot and static port placement - How to choose the ideal location
Forgive the this topic placement as it might be similar to other older ones (Although I a bit sure that the main contents might be different than other older ones). In the upcoming days I will have a ...
1 vote
2 answers
589 views
Why does the air in a jet engine not flow out of the front?
It is my understanding that jet engines work via the ,”suck squeeze, bang blow process”. The main fan introduces air into the engine, and the compressor blades squeeze this air into a higher pressure ...
- 11
0 votes
1 answer
107 views
Failure criteria for CFRP single plate bolted joint
Which equation can be used to find failure based on ply orientation. Tension,shear & bearing faliure to validate against fem analysis
0 votes
1 answer
110 views
What would cause more stress the airframe of a 757/767: 550 mph at 1,500 feet, or supersonic flight at 50,000 feet?
I was reading over some threads on metabunk.org about the 9/11 "Truther" Movement and it was brought up that a DC-8 was flown at supersonic speeds at 50,000 feet as an explanation for how ...
0 votes
1 answer
238 views
In an aircraft, should I connect flanges of wing spars' to the fuselage, or webs of wing spars' to the fuselage?
I am actually trying to understand which option is going to be a more relaible for the wing-fuselage attachment. Should I choose a connection between the flanges of the spars within the wing to the ...
- 1,335
3 votes
2 answers
145 views
What is the reason for forbidding liquids for cooling in drilling on cfrp/Al or cfrp/Ti stacks?
I recently did some research on the effect of cooling on CFRP/Al7075 drilling.But I read somewhere that liquids are forbidden for cooling operations on these multi layer plates !!! , And I wanted to ...
1 vote
1 answer
118 views
Which optical filter to use for flat black non-glare aerospace indicator?
I am currently designing a LED light indicator for use in an aircraft cockpit replica. I’m asking for expert advice on the type of lenses to use in order to get a result similar to shown pictures. ...
- 11
0 votes
3 answers
125 views
Are wind powered drones and platforms possible?
A glider is able to fly unpowered indefinitely so long as it can exploit nearby thermals and the like to stay aloft. The world record is 3,008km so perhaps there is a practical limit. I imagine this ...
- 111