It is generally assumed in dynamics that earth is a flat surface non-rotating etc. and that earth's curvature and rotation is negligible. However, how much error do we reaaly make in using these assumptions.Question below will help to find the answer.
Assume aircraft moving straigth from Istanbul to Cape Town at a constant speed of 800km/h.
i) What is the average acceleration the aircraft will need due to earth's curvature only in order to maintain constant altitude ?
ii) What is the average acceleration due to earth's curvature and earth's rotation around combined inorder to maintain constant altitude ?