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B-2: Physics
CONTENTS
Definitions 5
Student Resources 6
Introduction 7
What is Physics? 2.0-1
Matter 2.1-1
Statics 2.2.1-1
Kinetics 2.2.2-1
Dynamics 2.2.3-1
Fluid Dynamics 2.2.4-1
Thermodynamics 2.3-1
Optics (Light) 2.4-1
Wave Motion and Sound 2.5-1
DEFINITIONS
Define
• To describe the nature or basic qualities of.
• To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word).
State
• Specify in words or writing.
• To set forth in words; declare.
Identify
• To establish the identity of.
List
• Itemise.
Describe
• Represent in words enabling hearer or reader to form an idea of an object or
process.
• To tell the facts, details, or particulars of something verbally or in writing.
Explain
• Make known in detail.
• Offer reason for cause and effect.
STUDENT RESOURCES
Jeppesen General
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this subject is to familiarise you with mathematics and physics
associated with aircraft design, manufacture and maintenance.
On completion of the following topics you will be able to:
WHAT IS PHYSICS?
Ever since Humankind developed the ability to ponder its existence, questions have
been asked concerning the nature of its environment. Latin, the language of the
Roman Empire, contained the word ‘Physica’ for ‘Nature’, hence our use of ‘Physics’
as the overall name of the body of knowledge which attempts to describe the
inanimate world.
We have become adept at observing and measuring the phenomena that surround
us. Certain individuals, e.g. Archimedes and Newton, through chance and
circumstance, were able to develop the relationships, between elements of these
events, which are now called the Laws of Physics.
In many cases, the absolute truths still elude us, and the scientific community has
only ‘models’ to offer. For example, the origin of the Universe, or the structure of the
atom.
Even so, we have now gained enough knowledge to create and control the
technological environment in which we live.
This course attempts to address the basics which serve to underpin most of the
technical knowledge that an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer needs. For
organisational purposes, Physics is divided up into a number of topics, however it is
important to remember that nature works its various strands of magic
simultaneously.
The rest of this introduction endeavours to provide the reader with the absolute
minimum of knowledge with which to attack these separate topics.
For all intents and purposes, our concept of time as a means by which we can
measure the rate at which events occur will suffice, and our studies will
concentrate on those topics which explain our everyday lives.
As mentioned, the units kilogram and metre, are standardised, and most countries
maintain an organisation to ensure that they represent the same measurement at
all times.
In Australia, this is the National Measurement Laboratory, located within the
CSIRO Division of Applied Physics in Sydney.
The unit kg/m3 is a derived unit.
Time
The measurement of space occupies three dimensions of the Universe, but is not
sufficient for us to include the progress of an event in that measurement.
For this we have the concept of time, often called the Fourth Dimension. Our
ancestors observed the cycles of nature, the passage of the sun etc. which gave
them the initial units of days and years.
The basic unit of time, the second, s is now fundamental and standardised.
Motion
With the concept of time, we can measure how a mass may change its position in
space, in other words, the idea of motion.
An object, (a mass), can be in particular state of motion:
• At rest (not moving), zero metres per second, (0 m/s).
• Changing its position at a constant rate, (i.e. a certain number of m/s).
• Or, that rate could itself be changing with time, giving us m/s per second,
(m/s2).
A constant rate of m/s is called speed or velocity
A constant rate of m/s per s is called acceleration
What is required to be able to change this State of motion?
To all intents and purposes, g is constant for all us Earth bound surface dwellers,
so interchanging the words mass and weight does not lead to short measures!
Pressure
Pushing on a surface (or just allowing weight to act on the surface) creates
pressure.
It is defined as Force per unit area or:
P = F / A N / m2 or Pascals (Pa)
After Blaise Pascal (1623 - 1662).
Order of Magnitude
In the metric system, many prefixes are used to denote how many of any particular
unit are being used. The following table will be useful.
Within the atom, there are four Fundamental Interactions which give rise to all other
physical processes in the Universe. Simply described, and in order of increasing
strength, they are:
1. Gravity; this is the same as already discussed, but very insignificant on the atomic
scale.
2. The Weak Nuclear Interaction, which contributes to radio activity.
3. The Electromagnetic Interaction; acts between the nucleus and electrons and is
the source of electrical and magnetic energy.
4. The Strong Nuclear Interaction; holds the nuclei together.
Elements
Elements are detailed in the Periodic Table. For example, pure copper (Fig 2) is an
element because it is comprised only of copper atoms (Cu). An atom is the smallest part
of an element that retains the properties of that element.
I amu = 1.6 × 10 - 27 kg
or 1kg = 625,000,00 0,000,000, 000,000,00 0,000 amu
Ions
Atoms which have lost or gained an electron during a process. An atom losing an
electron will become positive, whilst an atom gaining an electron will become negative.
Isotopes
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. The Atomic Number
remains the same, but the Atomic Mass changes.
Compounds
There are 109 known elements currently, however most of the matter around us has
been formed by one or more elements combining in such a way to form completely new
substances called compounds.
This is called chemical bonding, and generally when atoms bond together, they share or
transfer electrons and form molecules.
Water is a compound because it is made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms (H2O). The
same is true of carbon dioxide (CO2) and common salt, sodium chloride (NaCl).
In the example of H2O ,water, (Fig 4) the oxygen atom has six electrons in its outer, or
valence shell. Because there is room for eight electrons in the valence shell, one oxygen
atom can combine with two hydrogen atoms by sharing the single electron from each
hydrogen atom.
Mixtures
A mixture is a mingled mass of two or more substances where each substance retains it
own individual characteristics. For example, figure 6 below is a representation of NaCl in
H2O (salty water).
Mixtures have varying ratios of ingredients that do not combine chemically as they do in
a compound.
States of Matter
All atoms and molecules in matter are constantly in vibratory motion. The degree of
motion i.e. the internal kinetic energy possessed by the matter, determines its physical
state. This internal KE is what we know as heat. What we call ‘temperature’ is, in fact,
only a measure of this molecular activity.
So, at the everyday scale of things, these elements, compounds and mixtures exist as
solids liquids or gases, depending on their internal energy or heat content. The physical
state of a compound has no affect on a compound’s chemical structure. Ice, water, and
steam are all H2O. (Fig 8).
Flow
The same property that allows liquids and gases to adopt the shape of their containers,
also allows them to flow, and they can both be called fluids.
Figure 3 Lift is the resultant force of the vertical and horizontal components
When an object does not change its state of motion or rest, the resultant of all the forces
acting on it is zero, and it is said to be in a state of equilibrium.
For example, if a car is being pushed at one end by a person and opposed at the other
end by a similar force, the car does not move. The sum of the positive and negative forces
are zero.
Figure 9 The roll forces are equal, but act in opposite direction
The forces produce a torque or twisting force to the aircraft, causing it to turn. If the
wing span of the aircraft is b metres, then the torque produced by this couple is given by:
T = F × b Nm
Other examples include taps and steering wheels.
Figure 10 The Centre of Gravity is the point from where the weight appears to act
If an irregularly shaped solid is hung first from one point, and then from another point,
its CG is the intersection of the verticals passing through these points. The entire weight
of a body is considered to act down through the vertical passing through its CG. The
body can be raised without toppling by an upward-acting force applied to the underside
of the body where the vertical exactly leaves it. Application of the upward force at any
other point would tend to tilt the body. Therefore sling or lift loads as near to the CG as
possible.
Figure 13 CG may not coincide with the geometric centre or axis of rotation.
The unbalanced condition will cause vibration during rotation. To rectify this problem
the CG must be shifted to make it the same point as the centre of rotation.
Stress
Stress is the force acting through a section of solid material and defined as force per unit
area.
Stress = Force
Area
Strain
Strain is the deformation of the material as a result of the stress. If the strain is less than
the material’s elastic limit, the elasticity of the material will allow it to return to its
natural length.
Strain below the elastic limit is directly proportional to the applied stress (Hooke’s Law).
Doubling stress will double the strain, (below the elastic limit). If the cross sectional area
of the bar is 2 sq m, then the stress will be.
Stress = 1000×9.8
2
= 4900 N/m 2
Tension
Tension describes forces that tend to pull an object apart (Fig 15). Flexible steel cable
used in aircraft control systems is an example of a component designed to withstand
tension loads.
Compression
Compression is the resistance to an external force that tries to push an object together.
The weight of an aircraft causes compressive stress to the runway. Aircraft riveting is
performed using compressive forces. When compression loads are applied to the rivet
head, the rivet shank will expand until it fills the hole and forms a butt to hold the
materials together.
Torsional Stress
Torsion or torque is a form of shear stress. If a twisting force is applied to a rod that is
fixed at one end, the twist will try and slide sections of material over each other.
The result is that, in the direction of the twist, there is compression stress and in the
direction opposite to the twist, tension stress develops. A crack can originate at the point
of highest tensile stress in a part.
Pressure
Both liquids and gases are fluids, therefore the theory behind buoyancy and pressure in
liquids, such as water, and gases, such as air, is similar. (Fig 20).
An important difference to remember, though, is that liquids are considered
incompressible, that is, have a constant density, while gases are compressible.
Pressure in Fluids
Pressure is still defined as ‘force per unit area’, but in a fluid it is caused by the
continual bombardment of the molecules against the inside of the container. The
pressure exerted by a column of liquid is determined by the vertical height of the column,
gravity, and the density of the fluid. (Fig 21).
Figure 21 The amount of fluid has no effect on pressure at the bottom of the column
where p = density kg/m3
m = mass kg
h = depth m
Density and Specific Gravity
Density is defined as the mass per unit volume of a substance. A given volume of lead
has many times the mass of the same volume of water.
When the density of other liquids are compared to water, a table of comparative densities
or specific gravities can be determined.
Gasoline has a specific gravity of 0.72, which means its weight is 72% of the same
amount of water.
Gases are compared to air to obtain an SG.
Note: The term Relative Density is used to compare the density of air at different
altitudes to sea level.
The SG of aviation fuel varies due to a variety of factors such as:
• Refining process;
• Storage facilities;
• Ambient conditions.
The pilot or engineer must check the SG of the fuel supply, to calculate how many litres
will provide the weight of fuel requested.
Weight of fuel = Volume (litres) × SG
Figure 22 Buoyancy
Figure 24 The pressure in a hydraulic cylinder acts at right angles to the cylinder
Pascal’s Law can be used to provide Mechanical Advantage, e.g. A Hydraulic Jack. The
same volume of fluid is displaced at each end of the system. (Fig 25).
The same volume of fluid is displaced at each end of the system, 1 psi spread over 10
square inches can support 10 lb. so, MA = 10.
Note that the large piston will only move up 1/10 of the distance the small piston moves
in.
If a piston such as the above is used to drive in both directions an interesting situation
occurs. The same pressure provides different forces according to direction of travel due to
the differing area available. This will also affect the speed at which the operation will
occur.
Acceleration
When an object has an initial velocity then, after a period of time, that velocity has
changed (increased or decreased), the object is said to have accelerated.
Acceleration can be positive or negative. Negative acceleration is called deceleration.
Acceleration is the rate of change in velocity. Average acceleration is found by dividing
the change in velocity by the total time taken for this change to occur.
A formula can be used to represent this:
a = ∆v
∆t
and
and
a = v -u
t
where v = final velocity, u = initial velocity and t = time.
However for linear motion, distance and displacement will be the same, and we can
extend the above to include the following, where s = distance.
s = ut + 1 at 2
2 s = vt - 1 at 2
2
v = u + at
s = u +v ⋅t
2
2 2
v = u + 2as
= mv or mw 2 r
2
r
Where m is mass, v is velocity, w is angular velocity (rpm) and r is the radius.
Therefore doubling the rpm, quadruples the centrifugal force, which in a grinding wheel,
for example, is trying to pull it apart! Observe RPM limits!
This is also one of the reasons a turbine blade ‘creeps’ or elongates during operation.
Other aircraft components susceptible to centrifugal stresses are:
• Propeller and Helicopter rotor blades
• Wheels and tyres
Figure 4 Orbits
Eventually at a height of about 22,300 miles, we have a Geosynchronous orbit, that is,
an orbit where the satellite speed matches the rotation of the Earth, and it stays over the
same spot.
The “weightlessness” experienced by an astronaut is a result of the same equilibrium.
His or her weight, is balanced by centrifugal force.
The energy contained in a body moving with SHM is called wave energy.
T = 1/f or f = 1/T
The key feature of SHM is that the period or frequency of the motion does not depend on
the amplitude of the oscillation.
From a practical viewpoint, this effect was used to make the first accurate clocks – a
pendulum takes the same time to make one oscillation, even though the amplitude of the
oscillations damps with time – the period does not change.
A pendulum ‘s period T is given by:
In reality, oscillations do not continue forever – they gradually decrease their motion as
energy is lost to friction. You may want the sound caused by a piano or a guitar to
continue in this way.
But you want the oscillation of your car to stop immediately after going over a bump.
Hence the dampers, (shock absorbers).
Figure 8 Resonance
If two objects have the same natural frequency and are joined to each other, when one of
them vibrates, it can transfer its wave energy to the other object making it vibrate.
This transfer of energy is known as resonance.
Because resonance can induce vibration it can exert destructive forces on an aircraft. For
example, it is possible to have portions of an aircraft, such as the propeller, vibrate in
resonance at certain engine speeds.
Figure 9 Harmonics
Because the density of solids and liquids vary with temperature, a standard temperature
of 4°C is used when measuring the density of each. Although temperature changes do
not change the weight of a substance, they do change the volume of a substance through
thermal expansion or contraction. This changes a substance’s weight per unit volume.
When measuring the density of a gas, temperature and pressure must be considered.
Pressure is more critical when measuring the density of gases than it is for other
substances. The density of a gas increases in direct proportion to the pressure exerted on
it.
Standard conditions for the measurement of the densities of gases have been established
at 0°C for temperature and a pressure of 76 cm of mercury (Hg) (This is the average
pressure of the atmosphere at sea level). Density is computed based on these conditions
for all gases.
Figure 3 Density
Figure 9 Streamlining
Streamlining reduces the amount of resistance and increases lift.
To produce less resistance for subsonic streamlining:
• The front of the object should be well rounded
• The body should gradually curve back from the midsection to a tapered rear section
COMPRESSIBILITY
The terms compressibility and incompressibility describe the ability of molecules in a fluid to be
compacted or compressed (made more dense) and their ability to bounce back to their original
density, in other words, their "springiness."
An incompressible fluid cannot be compressed and has relatively constant density throughout.
Liquid is an incompressible fluid.
A gaseous fluid such as air, on the other hand, can be either compressible or incompressible.
Figure 10 Compressibility
Figure 14 Airspeed and Altimeter which indicate pitot and static inputs
where ρ is the density of the fluid, v1 is the (slower) fluid velocity where the pipe is wider (point 1),
v2 is the (faster) fluid velocity where the pipe is narrower (point 2). This assumes the flowing fluid
(or other substance) is not significantly compressible - even though pressure varies, the density is
assumed to remain approximately constant.
The Venturi effect is named after Giovanni Battista Venturi, (1746–1822), an Italian physicist.
Venturis are found in many applications.
The piston forces air through the venturi in figure so the pressure at the throat drops. Atmospheric
pressure in the round container (reservoir) is now greater, and the liquid (red) travels up the tube,
joins the airstream, and is sprayed.
Earlier energy was described as that property of the Universe which can cause change.
Through the application of force, work is done.
Every star radiates the energy it develops internally, and any associated planets at the
appropriate distance can absorb and use this energy to evolve accordingly.
Heat is one form of energy, and in many cases the production of heat and its subsequent
release can do useful work.
The Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only
converted from one form to another.
Energy concerning the application, loss or transfer of heat is termed thermal energy.
According to the law of conservation of energy, thermal energy cannot be created or
destroyed, but it is converted from, and to, other forms of energy.
For example, thermal energy may be created from electrical, chemical, mechanical or
nuclear energy.
It can be converted to mechanical or kinetic energy. The heat in a thermal process can
also add energy to chemical reactions.
Although all substances can absorb and radiate heat energy, it is the gases that can
most easily turn this into useful work. The work done by an expanding gas is one of the
basic principles behind propulsion.
Conduction
Conduction requires physical contact between a body having a high level of heat
energy and a body having a lower level of heat energy.
When a cold object comes into contact with a hotter object, the action of the molecules in
the hot material transfers some of their energy to the molecules in the colder material.
Similarly, if one part of a body is heated then the energy will be transferred internally
molecule to molecule as they become more agitated.
Eventually the activity of the molecules in the two materials becomes equalised and thus
the temperatures also equalise, before falling as heat is lost to the surroundings.
An example of heat transfer by conduction is the removal of heat from an engine cylinder
by cooling fins.
Units of Heat
Calorie (cal): one calorie is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one
gram of water by one degree Celsius.
British thermal unit (Btu): one Btu is the quantity of heat required to raise the
temperature of one pound of water by on degree Fahrenheit.
Joule (J): the SI unit for all forms of energy. Energy provides the capacity for work to
be done.
One joule of energy can do one joule of work.
The heat produced by burning one litre of gasoline is about 8 x 106 cal, 3 x 104 Btu, or
3 x 107 J (30 MJ).
Temperature Scales
Temperature represents the average kinetic energy of molecules and is measured in
degrees (°).
There are four main temperature scales:
• degrees Celsius (°C),
• degrees Fahrenheit (°F),
• degrees Rankine (°R) and
• Kelvin (K).
With the Kelvin scale, the unit ‘degrees’ and its symbol (°) is not used. It is said that
water boils at 373 K.
Thermometers are used to measure temperature and they are constructed using the fact
that changes of state occur at a constant temperature.
Boyles Law
A gas can be easily compressed. As it is compressed, its pressure increases and its
volume decreases, assuming temperature remains constant.
This is because the same number of molecules are bombarding a smaller area, as the
volume of the container decreases.
In reality, the compression raises the temperature, but if the container is cooled, then
the ratio holds.
If the volume is halved, the pressure doubles.
This relationship acts in accordance with Boyle’s Law which states that the volume of a
confined body of gas varies inversely as pressure varies, assuming temperature remains
constant.
• (Temperature constant)
This is called an Isothermal process. That is, a process taking place at constant
temperature.
Charles’ Law
Just as changes in gas volume are related to pressure changes, they are also related to
temperature changes.
This characteristic is explained by Charles’ Law which states that the volume of a gas
varies in direct proportion to its temperature, assuming pressure remains constant.
V1 T1
=
V2 T2
(Pressure constant)
In other words, heating a quantity of gas in a very flexible container will cause the
container to increase in size.
Heat of Combustion
Any time fuel is burnt (combustion), heat is produced. Sometimes the heat is useful and
sometimes the heat is unwanted. We say that heat is a by-product of the combustion
process.
Combustion can range from lighting a match through to the furnace of a coal-fired
power station.
Combustion can use liquid, solid or gaseous fuel.
The domestic fireplace is desirable combustion!
When fuel is burnt in a combustion engine to produce power, the presence of heat is
inevitable. Often heat is wasted and needs to be dissipated for the engine to work
optimally.
For example, most car engines have water circulating around the engine. The water is
cooled by a radiator, allowing the engine temperature to remain within a specified range.
If too much heat is allowed to build up, the engine can be damaged.
In a gas turbine (jet) engine, the heat of combustion is necessary to expand gases and do
work while flowing through the engine.
It is the higher volume of gas which drives a turbine, making the engine self-sustaining
and it is the gas which contributes to the reactive force of thrust.
Nevertheless, it is also important for gas turbine engines for maximum operating
temperatures to be observed.
Materials used for construction of engine components cannot withstand temperatures
above a certain range.
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Work Done by Expanding Gases
Sometimes heat is not an unwanted by-product of combustion. Sometimes the expansion
of gas created by the heat is the prime purpose for the combustion.
For example, when a gun fires a bullet, the heat produced by the ignition of a small
pyrotechnic charge increases the volume of gas available to push the bullet out of the
barrel. Heat is necessary for the process to occur.
Likewise, a gas turbine engine relies on heat to expand gas. The expanded volume of
gas drives the engine turbines and contributes to the reactive force of thrust.
In this sense, expanding gases do work similar to other mechanical processes.
Remember, work is calculated by multiplying the force applied by distance:
W = Fs.
The greater the force applied to an object or the greater the distance an object moves,
the more work has been done.
If expanding gases in a rifle create a force of 10,000 newtons and move bullet 0.5
metres along the barrel of the rifle:
W=F x s
W= 10,000 x 0.5
W=5,000 Joules of Work has been expended
Intake
Air and fuel are sucked into the cylinder through the intake valve.
Compression
This mixture (15:1) is adiabatically compressed into a smaller volume. (Charles Law).
Power
The compressed mixture is ignited with a spark plug and the piston is forced down by
the sudden expansion of hot gas, which cools adiabatically.
Exhaust.
The exhaust gases are forced out of the exhaust valve by the ascending piston which
then descends in the next intake stroke.
It is standard practice to have multiple cylinders connected to the same crankshaft to
increase the number of power strokes per revolution.
The work done by the engine is equal to the enclosed area of the graph, Power is
work/time so more rpm = more power.
Note that the combustion process occurs at approximately constant volume, (3 - 4 on the
graph), so the Piston engine is called a Constant Volume engine.
Intake
Air only is drawn in directly, at the front.
Compression
This air is gradually squeezed into a smaller volume through a series of compressing
fans.
Power
Fuel is added into a combustion chamber where, once ignited during the start procedure,
it is continuously burnt with the compressed air.
The expanding hot gas proceeds through another series of fans, (turbines) forcing them
to rotate. The power part of the cycle.
The turbines are connected back to the compressor causing it to keep rotating and
continually supply air for combustion. This uses about 50% of the power generated
leaving plenty to provide thrust.
Turbojet
All thrust is delivered via the exhaust, as above picture.
Turboprop
Extra turbines transfer the power to a propeller.
Figure 22 Turboprop
FAN
SHROUD
Figure 23 Turbofan
Turboshaft
These are similar to turboprops and fan engine in that they utilizes extra turbines to
deliver the power to a variety of applications, such as electrical generators, ship’s
propellers, and helicopter rotors.
Figure 24Turboshaft
m
is the mass flow rate of air in kg/s.
t
U is the air initial velocity as it enters the engine.
V is the velocity at which the exhaust leaves.
Our earthly muscles, used to supporting 700 N, can make our 114 N body jump much
higher.
Travel to Jupiter, (mass 2½ times Earth) and you will weigh 70 x 9.8 x 2.5 ≈ 1715 N.
The same muscles will collapse under the stress of trying to support this force.
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is energy a body has because of its motion. If a body is held aloft and
then released, as it starts to fall to ground the potential energy is converted to kinetic
energy.
KE = 1 mv 2 Joules ,
2
Where m = mass (kg) and v velocity in m/s.
Figure 2 Friction
When objects move they usually roll or slide in contact with other objects or substances.
Such sliding or rolling contacts have resistance to the force that causes the motion. This
resistance is called friction.
In most industrial applications the minimisation of friction is sought, with lubricant,
yet friction between our shoes and the ground is necessary to be able to walk and run.
Likewise, it is the friction between tyres and the road and between brake rotors and discs
that helps slow down a vehicle.
The coefficient of friction refers to the differences in friction between various
materials.
The higher the coefficient of friction (μ), the greater the resistance between two surfaces.
Lubrication reduces friction.
There are three types of friction:
• Starting or Static - Overcoming initial resistance until breakaway occurs.
• Sliding - Resistance during steady motion.
• Rolling - Single point contact resistance is less than sliding.
(Remember some friction is required otherwise the wheel will not grip).
The amount of sliding friction can be calculated from the relationship:
F = μN
Where N is the reaction to the weight of the object from the surface on which it is sliding.
F = µN
but N = W − L
F = µ( W − L )
The greater the lift, the smaller the friction.
Airflow spoilers are used to dump this lift and allow the pilot to begin braking earlier.
Some example of μ are:
Rolling one surface over another creates less friction than sliding one surface over
another.
HEAT
Heat is one of the most useful forms of energy because of its direct relationship with
work, and with the use of engines. Other types of energy can be transformed, in
accordance with the law of conservation of energy, into heat.
90
= × 100 = efficiency = 90%
100
Figure 7 Impulse
(Impulse) I = Ft (Force multiplied by time)
A spacecraft’s “burn” i.e. applying thrust for a number of seconds is an example of an
Impulse.
Activity
Consider a mass m acted on by a force F for t seconds. It changes velocity from u to v.
Show that the Impulse = Ft is equivalent to a change in momentum mu to mv.
Figure 8 Gyroscope
Gyroscopic rigidity
This is the natural property of any rotating mass to resist changes to its plane of rotation
unless an external force causes a change.
This is the reason a spinning top or coin remains upright until it runs down.
If the rotor is in a case securely fitted to the airframe, it will show changes of aircraft
attitude. This is the basis for the instrument called the Artificial Horizon or Attitude
Indicator.
Precession
This the change of the plane of rotation caused by an external force.
If a force is applied to the rotating mass, overcoming the natural rigidity, then its plane of
rotation will deflect 900 in the direction of rotation.
Figure 9 Precession
Pushing the nose of this aircraft down causes the prop to swing the whole airframe left.
If the rotor is aligned nose to tail it will deflect when the aircraft is turned, and measure
Rate of Turn.
Try these with the bike wheel!!
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Plane Mirrors
Spherical Mirrors
This is true even if the surface is curved: for example cut from a sphere.
E.g. concave mirrors: different areas of the mirror reflect the wave according to the local
angle of incidence.
LENSES
The use of lenses is an application of refraction Light is bent as it passes through
transparent material of different densities.
The velocity of light changes and we get a refractive index.
We have already seen how a single surface refracts. All optical instruments have at least
two surfaces. A prism deflects light via two successive refractions according to Snell's
law.
compression rarefraction
Light waves are different again. They are the type of Electromagnetic Radiation that is
detectable by the human eye.
EMR is energy propagation by periodic variation of the electric and magnetic field
strengths caused by the acceleration of charged particles.
They are not mechanical waves, but they display similar behaviour, and are able to travel
through vacuum.
Wavelength λ “lambda”
The period is the time taken for one cycle to complete and equals 1/f.
The speed of energy propagation is V and given by:
V = λf
Example
At sea, the distance and time between successive waves is measured to be approximately
200 m and 10 s respectively. At what speed is the energy being propagated?
1
V = 200 × = 20m/s
10
Diffraction
If the obstacle has an edge then the wave system will “bend” and start a new system at
that point. This explains how we can hear around corners.
The nature of light waves has been proven by experiments showing the diffraction of
light.
Beats
Suppose we tune two strings of a guitar to vibrate at almost, but not quite, the same
frequency. Plucked simultaneously, the volume of the sound produced by them appears
to rise and fall continuously. This rise and fall has a fixed frequency called the beat
frequency.
What is happening is that the sound waves produced by the two guitar strings interfere
and our ears detect the variation of the resultant intensity. Maximum intensity is heard
when the waves add together (interfere constructively) and minimum intensity is heard
when the waves cancel each other out (interfere destructively).
We can see what is happening by adding together the two separate waves as shown in
the diagram below. The resultant, obtained by the principle of superposition, is shown.
It should be noted that 120 db is the “threshold of pain". Sound of this intensity is
painful to the normal ear. If the ear is continuously subjected to sound of this intensity,
ear damage and hearing loss can result.
Aircraft TAS
• Flight Mach Number =
Local Speed of Sound
The speed of sound in a medium varies with the properties especially density and
temperature. For air, the local speed of sound a given by:
a = 39 T Kts.
(Where T is the temperature in Kelvin)
The figure below shows the local speed of sound at different altitudes.
At 10,000 ft
The local speed of sound is 639 kt. If the aircraft TAS is 600 kt, then,
600
Flight Mach Number = = 0.94
639
A B
Figure 15 Doppler effect in diagram B
When a source of sound is not moving, the sound waves radiate out from the source like
ripples in a pond. A above.
When the source of sound moves, however, the frequency (and pitch) ahead of the source
becomes higher than the frequency behind it. B above.
Activity:
Label diagram B to show the regions of lower and higher frequency sound
This change in frequency is called the Doppler effect. It accounts for the sound of sirens,
motorbikes, and aircraft etc. becoming higher pitched as they approach, then decreasing
in pitch as the vehicle passes.
Any energy propagated by means of wave motion is subject to the Doppler effect.
Examples include light, which helped astronomers develop the Big Bang model, and
radio waves, which provide navigational information.