Re: Campbell's even crazier than a MANIAC? (archeopteryx climbing)

[jrc <jrccea@bellsouth.net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erik Boehm" <erikboehm07@yahoo.com>
To: <jrccea@bellsouth.net>
Cc: <dinosaur@usc.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: Campbell's even crazier than a MANIAC? (archeopteryx climbing)


> Im pretty sure this isn't true due to the exponential nature of drag 
> forces relative to velocity,

It is because L/D max remains unchanged with increasing weight.

> but rather is a good approximation for small % changes in weight.

Being exact, it is a good approximation both for small % changes in weight 
and larger ones.  For a detailed analysis and discussion of the topic, refer 
to your aerodynamics and flight mechanics texts.
JimC