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A plane on a conveyor belt is an example of a modern day paradox within the realm of thoretical newtonian physics.
The Nature of the problem:
editThe problem states: "On a day with absolutely calm wind, a plane is standing on a runway that can move (some sort of band conveyor). The plane moves in one direction, while the conveyor moves in the opposite direction. The conveyor has a control system that tracks the plane speed and tunes the speed of the conveyor to be exactly the same (but in the opposite direction). Can the airplane ever take off?"
The Opposing Sides
editThis argument is hotly debated between those who believe the plane will take off, and those who believe the plane will stay stationary on the runway.
More to come in this section shortly.
I don't even need to see the MythBusters show to say IT CANNOT TAKE OFF. People who think it can are CLUELESS. Part of the plane taking off is the movement of the air across the wings. The plane doesn't take off by the wind generated by the propellar across the wings, it takes off by the movement of the plane against the wind from the plane moving. If the plane is stationary it does not generate the wind it needs to
Counter argument -- The plane will not remain stationary. You assert correctly that wings need airflow to develop lift. But you fail to account for the aircraft prop or jet working on the surrounding air, not the ground. Now if you put the airplane on a flat bed truck and didn't operate its engine, then it would remain stationary.
Origin:
editAlthough, unknown in origin, this problem is currently discussed widely on the internet on message boards such as Anandtech Forums, in pilot newsletters The Pilot's Lounge #94: It's The Medium, Manfred, and other columnists The Straight Dope.
To Appear on a Mythbusters Episode:
editFinally, after years of discussion, this physics problem, which has so sharply divided the internet for years, will be featured on on an episode of Mythbusters. It was mistakenly advertised on the discovery channel website that this would be featured on the episode Airplane Hour, which debuted on December 12th at 9pm.
- Dec 12, 9:00 pm
- (60 minutes) MythBusters
- Air Plane Hour
- TV-PG
- Jamie and Adam take wing to test if a person with no flight training can safely land an airplane and if a plane can take off from a conveyor belt speeding in the opposite direction. Tory, Grant, and Kari jump on some Hollywood-inspired skydiving myths.
After the episode aired and no mention of the Plane on a Conveyor Belt Challenge, several hours of outrage followed on Mythbusters / Discovery Channel Wiki & Messageboards. Finally, it was formally announced and explained by a posted email from Dan Tapster, executive producer of MythBusters that the above web advertisement was a mistake, and that the plane on a conveyor belt is scheduled to be aired in Episode 97 on Jan 30th, 2008.