Aeronautics Flashcards
How was the term aeronautics derived?
Aero – referring to flight
Nautics – referring to ships and sailing
How does NASA define aeronautics?
The science of atmospheric flight
What are the three types of lift?
Buoyant
Aerodynamic
Direct
What is buoyant lift?
When an object is less than the weight of the medium it is displaced in, it will experience a buoyant force
Done with hot air, hydrogen or helium
How does helium weigh compared to air?
Helium is 1/5 weight of air
How does hydrogen weigh compared to air?
Hydrogen is 1/7 weight of air
How are balloons manipulated?
By manipulating how hot the air is, various altitudes can be reached
No control surfaces
Used for recreation and adventure sectors
What are the two types of airships?
Blimps - Gas bags that maintain their shape through internal pressure of the bag
Dirigibles - Rigid frames with gas cells split throughout the aircraft
Controlled with engines and control surfaces
Advantages of LTA?
Most efficient type of lift
Versatile to design
VTOL capability
Some safety aspects (engine failure less consequence, and collision is absorbed by frame)
Disadvantages of LTA?
Slow Helium is inert but expensive Hydrogen is cheap but flammable Low alt limit Public safety concerns Wind issues Large hangar spaces required
Cause of the Hindenburg disaster?
Lacquer used on the fabric ignited under static discharge with the mooring mast
What is a monoplane?
One wing structure
Lift generaated through aerofoils of the wing
What is a biplane?
Two wing design with aerofoils
De Havilland Tiger Moth
What is a triplane?
Three wings with aerfoil shapes
Fokker Triplane
What is a multiplane?
Multiple wings with aerofoil shapes
Advantages of aeroplanes?
Design allows fastest out of the categories Not alt limited (except by engine) Long range More efficient than direct lift less wind effect
Disadvantages of aeroplanes?
Limited design by shape Cannot Hover Can only go fast Restricted view Require runways
What theory is direct lift based on?
Newton’s third law - every action has an equal and opposite reaction
Aircraft generates a down forces, thus producing an upwards reaction
Purpose of main & tail rotors on helicopters?
Main - direct lift
Tail - at a tangent to counter the rotational effect of the main rotor (anti-torque)