Gravity is the Main Source of Energy for a Heavier Than Air Aircraft

Gravity is the Main Source of Energy for a Heavier Than Air Aircraft

If one were to truly think about the energy consumption of an aircraft flying thought the air, one would quickly realize that dramatically less energy is consumed than would be expected.

When a plane is flying, say straight and level, the thrust generated from its engines must continuously transfer enough energy to overcome drag and create lift. The lift created must continuously counteract the gravitational weight of the craft. This would also be the case if the aircraft were pointed vertically and acting more as a rocket.

Very few aircraft are equipped or capable of sustained powered vertical flight (steady speed or even acceleration)--most if not all are fighter aircraft. The energy consumption of an aircraft in vertical flight is enormous and as a result is usually used in short bursts.

Now if an aircraft in straight and level flight should consume approximately the same amount of energy as one in vertical flight, what constitutes the difference?

I state that gravity is the additional energy source and also serves as the PRIMARY energy source of an aircraft.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

How a Wing or Airfoil Works--How Lift Comes About

There are two main explanations for lift generation on an wing or airfoil.

The first is called the "equal transit time"or "Bernoulli" explanation. It posits that pressure differences over an airfoil cause lift to be generated.

The second is "Newtonian." This says that lift is generated by the deflection the flow of air.

Both explanations are deemed correct and incorrect, as lift is a complex thing to describe completely.

Either way, a transfer of energy is caused to generate lift. This energy must be equal to what is needed to overcome drag and support the aircraft; the aircraft must compensate for drag and hold itself up in the air continuously.
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