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About Paul 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)

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Aerospace/Aviation > Aeronautical Engineering > Physics project

Aeronautical Engineering - Physics project


Expert: Paul Soderman - 6/5/2009

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:

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bga.html

This link has information on airships including how to build your own:

http://www.myairship.com/

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.

If you get stuck get back to me.
Paul

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