I think it will fly, but I'm not versed in the physics and aerodynamics fields. I've only read a little of the discussion about it.
It seems it just needs to lift the wheels at all, then it goes ? Maybe a prop provides enough lift to do that, or a jet engine.
It may be inconclusive and refunded.
It seems it just needs to lift the wheels at all, then it goes ? Maybe a prop provides enough lift to do that, or a jet engine.
It may be inconclusive and refunded.
MythBusters tackles "plane on a conveyor belt problem"
Posted by Mark Frauenfelder, January 28, 2008 11:13 AM | permalink
But the real reason I talked to him was to find out about the next episode of MythBusters (airing this Wednesday). It tackles the famous "plane on a conveyor belt problem," that has pitted brother against brother and friend against friend for years. To get to the bottom of the thought-problem, Adam and Jamie used a real plane, in this case a 400-lb ultralight, and a large conveyor belt. Did the plane take off? You'll have to wait until Wednesday to find out, but Adam said even the pilot guessed wrong. Link </I></B></EM>
Airplane-Treadmill problem
Posted by Mark Frauenfelder, December 11, 2006 9:31 PM | permalink
(Update: Cecil Adams of The Straight Dope provides a clear explanation of why the plane will indeed take off.)
David Pogue at the NYT has presented this classic airplane on a giant treadmill problem, and people are arguing about whether or not the plane would take off or not. Here's the problem:
“Imagine a plane is sitting on a massive conveyor belt, as wide and as long as a runway. The conveyer belt is designed to exactly match the speed of the wheels, moving in the opposite direction. Can the plane take off? “I say no, because the plane will not move relative the the ground and air, and thus, very little air will flow over the wings. However, other people are convinced that since the wheels of a plane are free spinning, and not powered by the engines, and the engines provide thrust against the air, that somehow that makes a difference and air will flow over the wing.”
I say yes. Let's assume the friction in the wheel bearings is negligible. Putting a plane on a treadmill is like putting it on an icy lake. When you fire up the jets, the plane is going to shoot down the lake and take off just like it would on a runway. Link
Last night there were several offers on the "will not fly" side, up to around +140 I think, and no offers at all on the "will fly" side....so it looks like the public thinks it will fly. I win a whopping 2 bucks if it flies, and an even more spectacular 60 cents if it doesn't, so I'm set either way.
hno:
:toast: its on discovery now
