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Discussion » Questions » Science and Technology » Can you explain the aerodynamics of a kite?

Can you explain the aerodynamics of a kite?

Posted - March 5, 2019

Responses


  • 10449

    Yes.    It’s all about thrust, gravity, drag, tension, lift and air pressure. 

    Holding the kite, I run in one direction (thrust)
    Of course, at that exact same time the wind becomes absolutely calm, so the kite falls to the ground (gravity) 
    Like an idiot, I vainly keep trying to get the kite up (drag)
    Eventually the string can’t take it any more and breaks (tension)
    As I stand there rubbing the string burns on my hands, a gust of wind comes along and picks up the kite (lift)
    I drink a beer and burp (air pressure)

      March 5, 2019 5:13 PM MST
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  • 44173
    Yes...I can.

    This post was edited by Element 99 at March 6, 2019 6:48 AM MST
      March 5, 2019 7:17 PM MST
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  • 976
    Loosely, the air moving over the top of the kite moves faster than the air under the kite. This creates negative pressure under the kite. Therefore, causing lift. Or, the faster you run on a windy day, the more likely you are to get your kite in the air. 

    Charlie Brown could only be so lucky.
      March 5, 2019 7:47 PM MST
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  • 5835
    You have to have some wind.

    What else do you want to know?
      March 6, 2019 6:10 AM MST
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  • 22891
    no
      March 8, 2019 2:52 PM MST
    0