2007-04-12 09:48:11 · 12 answers · asked by papasmagic1959 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
No, but you can make a wing using paper and glue.
2007-04-12 09:51:27 · answer #1 · answered by sheila 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can make a parachute.
However, and this is important -
it will not work.
You need a lot of parachute to slow your fall to the point where you won't kill yourself when you land. AND it's pretty much impossible to hold onto a sheet when it hits the air - there will be a moment of massive deceleration when the "parachute" catches the air, and your body's intertia will put a lot of strain on your hands. You'll release the parachute, and you'll plummet to your death.
Real parachutes are dozens of square yards of cloth, and even those don't always stop a person. There's no way a bed sheet would slow you down enough to keep from dying.
2007-04-12 16:52:36 · answer #2 · answered by Brian L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To give a basic formula:
Terminal velocity = sqrt((2mg)/(dAC))
m = mass
g = gravity
d = density of air = 1.2kg/m^2
A = effective area
C = drag coefficient
Assume C is 1.5 (typical for a parachute)
Area of a queen size bed sheet is 3 m^2 (1.5m x 3m)
Of course, the sheet would be folded into a parachute type shape, reducing its effective area, but lets be conservative.
Call m 70 kg, average to small man.
Vt = sqrt((2*70*9.8)/(1.2*3))
Vt = 19.5 m/s = 43 mph
Deadly? Maybe. Better than nothing (terminal velocity of man is about 70m/s = 156 mph)
2007-04-12 17:19:57 · answer #3 · answered by Stephen C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really. It wouldn't work as well as they do in the movies because it would be hard to hold onto and it's not enough surface area or distance to inflate properly or hold you aloft.
There is a chance it might slow your descent and save your life and anything is worth a try, right?
For more info., check out the "parachute" myths at http://discovery.com/mythbusters
2007-04-12 16:53:29 · answer #4 · answered by bumsteadowl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not do this until you have considered 3 things:
1. make sure it has enough surface area to displace enough air to support your body mass,
2. make sure it isn't on fire,
3. make sure your life insurance company won't consider it suicide when you jump out of a window with a bed sheet in your hands.
2007-04-12 17:09:17 · answer #5 · answered by johntindale 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No u cannot , becaue u need a resistant which would reduce the speed by which u fall , and the bedsheet in no way can provide that
2007-04-13 13:53:18 · answer #6 · answered by vaibhav_144 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because you will be falling at a high rate of speed
2007-04-12 16:51:09 · answer #7 · answered by dan_198660120 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, ya might as well give it a shot if therei s no way else out.
2007-04-12 16:51:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
... and a prayer. Yes, you can make a parachute. No, it will not work.
2007-04-12 16:52:32 · answer #9 · answered by morningfoxnorth 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i doubt it because a lot of the air will flow through the cloth
2007-04-12 16:51:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋