Well, after asking the question, I found most of what I wanted. Just a
matter of putting the right words into a search engine.

For those who care, see an excellent report at
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/cyl.html

The formulas for lift of a cylinder is specified. An example is given that
has a 20 foot long cylinder of 2 feet diameter. At 100 mph, 236 rpm
rotation of the cylinder yields 1085 lb lift.

That seems to answer the question, since the energy required to rotate a 2
foot diameter cylinder which is 20 feet long would be substantial. And,
this would not provide any forward motion - just lift. Much easier to use a
simple, less complicated wing. But, it might be possible to build something
that actually flew.

Now I am a bit smarter.

Colin N12HS


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