Flying Disk Stability
Purpose
Demonstrates how the rim of a flying disk provides aerodynamic lift that stabilizes flight. Three coffee can lids with different rim configurations are thrown like frisbees; the intact lid flies level while altered lids tilt and drop, showing the role of rim geometry in generating lift.
Figure 1:
Three coffee can lids with progressive rim removal: intact rim (left), partial rim with tabs (center), and rim fully removed (right).