Why do paper planes fly?

Discussion with friend…

An aircraft flys due the lift generated by shape of the wing as it moves forward through the air, then how does a paper plane fly, given that its wings are flat paper?

There must be a minimal air pressure difference above and below the piece of paper which is still sufficient to provide enough lift to the small weight of the paper. But how?

@divegeester
They generate some lift but it is not powered flight, just gliding. The top of the wing makes a small vacuum which keeps it afloat till friction slows it down to where there is no longer lift.

@sonhouse said
@divegeester
They generate some lift but it is not powered flight, just gliding. The top of the wing makes a small vacuum which keeps it afloat till friction slows it down to where there is no longer lift.

@divegeester
The wing is not totally flat, it doesn't take much bending to produce lift.

@sonhouse said
@divegeester
The wing is not totally flat, it doesn't take much bending to produce lift.

@divegeester
But it does provide a small amount of lift.

@sonhouse said
@divegeester
But it does provide a small amount of lift.

@divegeester said
Discussion with friend…

An aircraft flys due the lift generated by shape of the wing as it moves forward through the air, then how does a paper plane fly, given that its wings are flat paper?

There must be a minimal air pressure difference above and below the piece of paper which is still sufficient to provide enough lift to the small weight of the paper. But how?

@mchill said
Why do paper planes fly?

Because someone folded them into an aerodynamic shape and launched them with sufficient speed to sustain flight for a small amount of time. Due to the lack of further propulsion however, they normally float to the ground after a short time.

@divegeester said
Thanks for your insights.

PS a standard paper plane isn’t aerodynamic in shape.

@mchill said

aer·o·dy·nam·ics. Noun: The properties of a solid object regarding the manner in which air flows around it:

Since air flows around a paper airplane when in flight, it would seem your statement lacks some credibility. 😏

@divegeester said
So according you if anything is aerodynamic if it has air flowing around it, then your initial use of “aerodynamic” is superfluous.

Rocks have air flowing around them if they fall and a mattress can therefore be “folded into an aerodynamic shape”.

😂

@mchill said
So according you if anything is aerodynamic if it has air flowing around it, then your initial use of “aerodynamic” is superfluous.



It's not according to me. It's according to the dictionary definition. You'll have to take the matter up with them.

Now, if you'll excuse me. It's Friday and I have work to do. 😀

@mchill said
So according you if anything is aerodynamic if it has air flowing around it, then your initial use of “aerodynamic” is superfluous.



It's not according to me. It's according to the dictionary definition. You'll have to take the matter up with them.

Now, if you'll excuse me. It's Friday and I have work to do. 😀

@Ghost-of-a-Duke said
Those burgers won't flip themselves.