Plane on a Treadmill

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CyPlainsDrifter

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Are you saying that even if the plane is not moving forward on the treadmill it will still fly?


Uh NO.... you are obviously NOT LISTENING. We are all saying that the plane is going to move forward on the treadmill no matter what. Everyone understands the plan has to be moving to create lift.
 

cmoneyr

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IMO - the intent of a tradmill is to negate foward motion.
You're thinking of a treadmill used for running though. And I agree, for running that is the intent. But things are different here, the intent of the treadmill is to just match speed, but matching speed =/= negating speed in this case, that's the main hang up.
 

DaddyMac

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You're thinking of a treadmill used for running though. And I agree, for running that is the intent. But things are different here, the intent of the treadmill is to just match speed, but matching speed =/= negating speed in this case, that's the main hang up.

Again - the typical use of a treadmiil. Treadmills aren't typically used on planes as far as I know.

I don't disagree with the physics of what WILL happen in terms of thrust and the treadmill.

But I think the question is deceiving in that the intent of pretty much every type of treadmill is to keep whatever is on it - stationary.
I guess when I read that question - the image I have is that the plane is putting out all the thurst it needs to normally take off and the purpose of the treadmill is to keep it from moving forward - however that needs to happen.

And the myth is that somehow, someway that all the thrust magically provides some sort of lift for the plane to suddenly take off.

What this discussion is saying that you can't plausibly accomplish the feat of keeping a plane on the treadmill.
 

Wesley

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Apr 12, 2006
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The thread is still going on because it is an infinite speed threadmill and can keep up with the plane.
 

CyinCo

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Mar 24, 2006
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If the treadmill belt is moving as fast as the plane in the opposite direction, how then can the plane move forward on the treadmill?

The wheels and the treadmill have nothing to do with it. Visualize a plane that can magically hover above the treadmill with no wheels at the same height as a plane with wheels. The hovering provides no lift or thrust. It just keeps the plane off the ground and allows for free movement forward and backwards. Turn on the treadmill. Fire up the engines. As the plane goes faster forward, the treadmill goes the same speed backwards. In this case, does the treadmill have any affect on the plane? I assume you'll say no. The hovering allows for free movement and decouples the plane from the motion of the treadmill. Now add the wheels back in. The wheels do what? They allow for free movement and decouple the plane from the treadmill; the same as the magic hovering situation.
 

Hilz4cy

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This is my first post, and I don't know what can of wrms I'm opening here but has anyone taken into consideration if this is at sea level or in Denver =) The diff is probably so small but something to think about, by the way, no way it takes off =)
 

cmoneyr

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I guess when I read that question - the image I have is that the plane is putting out all the thurst it needs to normally take off and the purpose of the treadmill is to keep it from moving forward - however that needs to happen.
The thing is though, if you're reading it that way, you're not reading the question right. The question clearly states how fast the treadmill is going, it's only going as fast as the plane is going, no faster.
 

DaddyMac

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Oct 18, 2006
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This is my first post, and I don't know what can of wrms I'm opening here but has anyone taken into consideration if this is at sea level or in Denver =) The diff is probably so small but something to think about, by the way, no way it takes off =)

And you chose this as your first thread to post in?

We'll have to keep an eye on you.... :skeptical:

:wink:

Welcome to the board - enjoy yourself.
 

CyPlainsDrifter

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Jun 19, 2006
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This is my first post, and I don't know what can of wrms I'm opening here but has anyone taken into consideration if this is at sea level or in Denver =) The diff is probably so small but something to think about, by the way, no way it takes off =)

:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh:

And another misguided soul chimes in.
 

Hilz4cy

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ya it was amusing for the firat 30 pages, lol. curious to see it on Mythbusters though. Adam will have his little model out there on a Precor treadmill trying to get it to left off, funny
 

DaddyMac

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Oct 18, 2006
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The thing is though, if you're reading it that way, you're not reading the question right. The question clearly states how fast the treadmill is going, it's only going as fast as the plane is going, no faster.

I understand that - but I'm also making the presumption that this wasn't thought up by some MIT Physics professor.

Otherwise the question would be more simply put - can a treadmill matching the speed of the wheels of the plane keep a plane from moving forward?
 

Wesley

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Apr 12, 2006
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This is my first post, and I don't know what can of wrms I'm opening here but has anyone taken into consideration if this is at sea level or in Denver =) The diff is probably so small but something to think about, by the way, no way it takes off =)


Yes, several hundred messages before, I did mention air density/lift varies due to temperature (and elevation). However, here we are still at almost 500 postings and still making hay....
 

CyinCo

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Mar 24, 2006
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This is my first post, and I don't know what can of wrms I'm opening here but has anyone taken into consideration if this is at sea level or in Denver =) The diff is probably so small but something to think about, by the way, no way it takes off =)

OK, I'm sensing that this post is dripping with sarcasm.
 
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