2006-12-01 17:54:01 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Not just any bike, and not just any rider... yet. Google "human powered flight".
There have been some kind of human powered flight since the 1960's, but I think, so far, these contraptions demand severely conditioned athletes to power.
Lighter than air flight is well documented and understood, but why would you want to sub a balloon basket with a bicycle?
The cumbersome design of the balloon prohibits an 'almost as light as air' design which is what you seem to suggest with your helium attachment.
2006-12-01 18:19:57 · answer #1 · answered by Arman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think what you'll have there is a person who's legs are really tired riding with a bike with wings attached to it. Interesting question! But, your probably better off saving your time, your money and the the helium gas tank for a child's birthday party..or something somebody will actually get some use out of. Think more along the lines of handlebar streamers...less brainpower
:-)
2006-12-01 17:57:34 · answer #2 · answered by Catherine C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't exactly a bicycle but a pedal powered airplane called the Gossamer Albatross was built and flown successfully enough to win a prize offered for such a feat. The plane was very light and the pilot had to be in great shape. The builders proved that it could be done but it wasn't practical for anything. BTW the pedals drove a propeller.
2006-12-01 18:07:09 · answer #3 · answered by rethinker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming your wings are an airfoil of sufficient dimensions, however, as soon as your wheels left the ground, you would lose thrust and settle back on the ground.
If you were to peddle downhill, you may be able to attain sufficient thrust and lift to fly like a glider.
2006-12-01 18:22:34 · answer #4 · answered by Scarp 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. The power required is too large. With an appropriate helium balloon, you could acheve lift-off; you need about one liter of helium per gram of the gross vehicle weight. That's a lot of helium.
2006-12-01 17:56:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you tie enough helium balloons to just about anything it will fly. It's been done with lawn chairs... but no, peddling with wings won't work
2006-12-01 17:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by UnceasingFaun 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have built pedal powered craft, yes, weather balloons filled with gas of some kind will help so it would be less strenous and less need of streamlining.
2006-12-01 18:03:38 · answer #7 · answered by theshadowknows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO WITH A HELIUM TANK, IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH POWER AND ENOUGH WING SPAN PERHAPS, LETS SAY 3.5 HP BRIGG/STRATON 3 PROP PERPELLER, WING SPAN OF 30 FT YOU JUST MIGHT LIFT OFF
2016-01-24 20:58:42 · answer #8 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actualy, yes you can. Give it a go and let us know what happens. Enquiring minds want to know.
2006-12-01 18:02:54 · answer #9 · answered by S.A.M. Gunner 7212 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
duhhh
2006-12-01 17:55:34 · answer #10 · answered by dancerbaby1111 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋