AboutPaul Soderman Expertise Aeronautics, Fluid Mechanics, Aeroacoustics, Noise Control, Muffler Design, Wind Tunnel Research.... I know nothing about India - do not ask about schools, jobs, application requirements, career choices, etc. for India. Please, no text message verbiage; I prefer full words in full sentences. Thanks.
Experience 38 years as research engineer at NASA
Publications AIAA, NASA
Education/Credentials B.S. and M.S. Aeronautical Engineering - U. of Washington
Graduate work Standford U.
Awards and Honors AIAA Associate Fellow (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
Question hello i am a tenth grader taking ap physics and for class we are making an airship. what it entails is a structure (no more than 4ft each way) that flies 40 ft in a strait line and remains neutrally buoyant. i was wondering if you could help me by giving me some pointers, equations for things like thrust, and anything that you think would help. even the slightest details would be appreciated. also we have to have an adjustable rudder and i was wondering where the best place for it would be. thank you
Ben Snellings
Answer Ben
This site will give you the basic equations for aerodynamics and thrust:
I would put the rudder in the tail aft of the propulsive device, just like a submarine. You can also find information on helium or hot air on the web (google). All you need is a gas lighter than normal air. The lift is equal to the weight of air displaced by the airship. If that equals total weight you have neutral buoyancy.
