Re:Airfoil
by kqr on Wednesday February 28, 2024 @12:27AM
(#39534346)
The way I've had it described is that when two objects of the same shape pitch for optimal glide (i.e. highest L/D) then the heavier one will reach the ground sooner (go faster), but both will take the exact same path and land the same distance away. In other words, same L/D.
This is not the explanation you are looking for, but "aha the heavier object takes the same path but drops faster" was what made me okay with L/D not depending on weight.
This is not the explanation you are looking for, but "aha the heavier object takes the same path but drops faster" was what made me okay with L/D not depending on weight.