Stopping a 300 Km/h Object: Is Airbraking Possible?

  • Thread starter Ronhrin
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In summary, the conversation discusses the feasibility of using airbrakes to bring an object floating in the air to a complete stop, particularly when traveling at a high speed of 300 Km/h. The idea is deemed unlikely due to the limitations of airbrakes and the loss of decelerating force with speed. Alternative solutions, such as retro-rockets or parachutes, are suggested for achieving a faster and more effective stop.
  • #1
Ronhrin
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let's assume that it's possible to maintain a object floating in the air, when we acelerate with the object there's basicly only one way to stop it, airbrakes.

let's assume that same object is traveling at a speed of 300 Km/h, is it possible to build a airbrake system able to fully stop the object in less than 1.5 seconds?
 
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  • #2
Hmmmmm. That would be a new definition of airbrakes to me. Airbrakes are typically used on trucks. What you are describing would be thrusters if I am understanding your post correctly.
 
  • #3
Gliders (and other aircraft) use airbrakes.
Quite effective at high speeds, but they loose effectiveness as the speed decreases.
So bringing something to a complete stop seems unlikely.

For your purposes a parachute might be considered an airbrake.
 
  • #4
No, you won't bring it to a complete stop using air brakes. Look up the formula for aerodynamic drag, and you'll see why.
 
  • #5
Ronhrin said:
let's assume that it's possible to maintain a object floating in the air, when we acelerate with the object there's basicly only one way to stop it, airbrakes.

let's assume that same object is traveling at a speed of 300 Km/h, is it possible to build a airbrake system able to fully stop the object in less than 1.5 seconds?

There's no way you'll be able to get an object to stop that fast (5.66g continuous for 1.5 seconds) using just an airbrake, for the reasons stated above (most importatly the loss of decelerating force with speed.) Maybe retro-rockets?
 

FAQ: Stopping a 300 Km/h Object: Is Airbraking Possible?

Can airbraking alone stop a 300 km/h object?

No, airbraking alone is not enough to stop a 300 km/h object. Air resistance, or drag, is dependent on the speed of the object and the shape of the object. At high speeds, air resistance is not strong enough to stop a fast-moving object.

What other factors affect the effectiveness of airbraking?

The weight and mass of the object, as well as the air density and temperature, also play a role in the effectiveness of airbraking. Heavier objects will have more momentum and require more force to stop, while denser air will provide more resistance.

How can airbraking be used in combination with other methods to stop a 300 km/h object?

Airbraking can be used in conjunction with other methods such as parachutes, reverse thrusters, or braking systems to help slow down a fast-moving object. These methods work together to increase the overall stopping force and reduce the distance needed to stop.

Are there any risks or limitations to using airbraking to stop a 300 km/h object?

Yes, there are risks and limitations to using airbraking. If the object is not designed for airbraking, it could potentially cause damage to the object or compromise its stability. Additionally, if the airbrakes fail, it may not be possible to stop the object in time.

Can airbraking be used in space to slow down spacecrafts?

Yes, airbraking can be used in space to slow down spacecrafts. However, in space, there is no air resistance, so special devices called aerobrakes are used to create drag and slow down the spacecraft. This technique is commonly used in planetary exploration missions to save fuel and reduce the speed of the spacecraft for landing.

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