On 06/11/2010 04:25, John Gardner wrote:
> Enjoy...
>
> http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~moloney/AppComp/1999Entries/entry09.htm

Maybe I'm missing something with this, but it seems the points made are=20
pretty obvious. Also, the proposed setup works differently from what (I=20
think) the student describes. The setup seems to just use the sail to=20
deflect the air in the appropriate direction needed for propulsion,=20
rather like a hovercraft or similar vehicle would. Also, the point=20
"Actually, the greatest effect is obtained by removing the sail=20
entirely!" seems the most obvious of all to me - this removes any=20
obstruction to the propulsion so of course it would..
The students proposition seems akin to standing on a cart and "shunting"=20
yourself along using changes of momentum, like the wind hitting the sail=20
in short blasts.
Rather tired (05:58 here) and brain is overworked today so it's very=20
likely I have completely overlooked something here, sure someone will=20
put me straight if this is the case.. :-)


--=20
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