Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Aerodynamics
Balancing question >

Balancing question

Community
Search
Notices
Aerodynamics Discuss the physics of flight revolving around the aerodynamics and design of aircraft.

Balancing question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-22-2002 | 07:04 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Gabs,
Default Balancing question

Hi,

Can heavy nose in aerobatic plane affect its roll rate in horizontal flight?. This plane rolls faster even in vertical climb than in hirizontal position.
Thanks for any advice
Old 10-22-2002 | 11:24 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 958
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Punta Gorda, FL
Default Balancing question

Since nose weight is located on or near the axis of roll it has little or no affect on the roll rate. In a barrel roll rather than an axial roll the mass of the nose can be located away from the roll axis and nose weight comes into play.

The difference in roll rate between horizontal and vertical flight is related to the differences between those two modes of flight. In the vertical mode more engine power and thus more torque is needed compared to the horizontal mode. If the roll rate in vertical flight is greater in one direction than the other, then I would conclude that the difference in roll rate is torque related.

It may be that you are throttled back enough in horizontal flight that it is actually slower than full throttle vertical flight. In which case the roll rate will be greater in high speed flight because aileron response is proportional to the square of the airspeed.

In horizontal flight part of the wing's work is to produce lift and only the surplus from aileron deflection (which is limited by the stall) is available to roll the plane. In vertical flight mode, the wing is not producing net lift and all it's potential lift due to aileron deflection is available to roll the plane.

Another possibility is that the faster roll rate in vertical mode is an illusion. Have you actually timed the roll rate?

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.