What mechanisms exist for generating lift on a static object? Condition is: Othe

Question

What mechanisms exist for generating lift on a static object?

Condition is: Other than propellers

I know that generating lift on a static object in a sense of anti-gravity for e.g. drone is not possible, to my knowledge, however which current up to date physics application can "cheat/emulate" generating lift on a static object.

Could something else except classic propellers be used to make an object (e.g. size of a 2-3 feet long vehicle/drone model) flying?

I would like to know answer to my question from "physics"point of view, before going to engineering room and finding more facts there.

So, are there other possibilities except classic propellers?

You can touch my question from 2 points of view:

1) Amateur - meaning I don't have access to the latest technologies they are using for experimental flying machines in the army

2) Godlike - meaning I have access to the latest technologies they are using for experimental flying machines in the army

Explanation / Answer

This is not a physics answer, but perhaps it could point the way to one. Although: Here's some physics.

Assuming that with "static" you mean "hovering", I think an ornithopter (from Greek ornithos "bird" and pteron "wing") could do the trick.

It looks like fun! And...

The hobby variety seems to be able hover.

I built this four-winged RC ornithopter for a demonstration at IIT Bombay. It represents a concept for a manned ornithopter at 1/10th scale. The wingspan is 36 inches. The four-winged design gives this ornithopter excellent slow-flight capabilities, and it can even be configured for hovering flight.

Source

And so can a possibly military version. Not the mean machine you'd expect! :)

here Because ornithopters can be made to resemble birds or insects, they could be used for military applications, such as aerial reconnaissance without alerting the enemies that they are under surveillance. Several ornithopters have been flown with video cameras on board, some of which can hover and maneuver in small spaces. In 2011, AeroVironment, Inc. announced a remotely piloted ornithopter resembling a large hummingbird for possible spy missions.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.