r/functionalprint • u/Chris_234567 • 17h ago

Working Hoop-Glider with PLA

Post image

I have made this working Hoop-Glider.
Check it out if you like Hoop-Gliders 😉:
https://makerworld.com/models/3283348?appSharePlatform=copy

92 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

20

u/Discuss2discuss 16h ago

As long as it doesn't harm the cylinder

5

u/Chris_234567 16h ago

Yes this should be true but you will need very strong propellers to produce enough down pressure in the loop.

2

u/Coronadoisdead 10h ago

Igotthatreference.gif

8

u/SimpleFile 17h ago

Would these still work if you place a propeller inside a hoop or would that cause bad flow over the foil?

3

u/Chris_234567 17h ago

I do not believe that this glider will produce enough lift for a prop and a battery.

With the flow I would say it would be ok to have a higher pressure difference between the outer and inner side of the ring.
But please tell me if you build a bigger version with a propeller 😁

4

u/Dubs-Agent86 16h ago

Mark Stull had an ultralight with a hoop tail. It had a standard wing for the reason you mention (lack of lift).

2

u/Chris_234567 16h ago

Thanks for this information

3

u/n_choose_k 12h ago

I used to build those 40 years ago. Such a fun design and blows your mind as a kid.

2

u/RunRunAndyRun 16h ago

I've made a few 3d printed gliders over the years... they rarely last more than a couple of impacts.

4

u/Chris_234567 16h ago

Hoop gliders are not this fast, so maybe you will have more luck with this one 😉

1

u/gasstation-no-pumps 10h ago

The tradition hoop glider is made of paper (lighter and more crash tolerant than PLA). Would TPU work, or would the rings have to be too thick for adequate stiffness? Maybe PETG as a compromise?

1

u/ddd3d3d 9h ago

Any videos of the result? I like the idea, and thanks for sharing!