5 Things a Superhuman Can Teach Us About Aerodynamics

A superhuman (for example Superman a.k.a. Man of Steel and fathers <Happy Father's Day> ) does not need aerodynamics to fly.  In fact,  the atmosphere can often be an annoyance when speeding to a rescue.

Here are 5 thing a superhuman can teach us about aerodynamics.

1. Use your superhuman ability to levitate if you wish to fly slowly during search and rescue missions.  Flying at a speed of 20 m/s, even with feet down to simulate a Gurney flap, will generate a miniscule 4 pounds of lift from the atmosphere. 

Stallion 3D analysis of superhuman. V=20 m/s

Stl from Turbosquid.com.

 

2. Superhuman strength is required to fly fast as well.  Traveling to a rescue at the reasonable speed of 600 m/s develops upwards of 12,500 pounds of pressure drag which you can tax your super abilities.



 

Flight at 600 m/s.

 

3. Forget the hairdo.  Flying on a humid day causes condensation that can reveal your position and have the bad guys laugh at your vapor made tutu.

Superhuman lifts off. Speeds are 100, 200, 300,
400 and 600 meters per second.

4.  The atmosphere can afford you a jump on the uninitiated bad guys.  Your secret weapon is called Mdd (drag divergence Mach number).   Those new to Earth will be temporarily baffled by their sudden lack-luster performance at or around Mach one.

Drag divergence at around 300 m/s

5.  Aerodynamics is fun! Try it.  BTW, you might need Stallion 3D.

More information about Stallion 3D can be found at http://www.hanleyinnovations.com

Thanks for reading and Happy Father's Day to everyone.