Originally Posted By: tanstaafl.

V = 45.45 MPH.

Hmmm... I notice that the result of all this math gives an answer equal to exactly twice the average speed. Could I have just said that the maximum speed is always twice the average speed in these acceleration/deceleration types of problem?

Not necessarily. In this case, this assumption:
Originally Posted By: tanstaafl.
The wingtip accelerates from 0 to maximum speed for two inches, then takes two inches to slow back to zero at the bottom of the stroke.

and the impicit assumption you're making (if I understand correctly) that acceleration of wings is constant, explains why you get maximum speed equals double of avg. I don't know if that assumption is true in reality, though. Wings' speed may vary less regularly in one "flap", so that avg is the same but top speed is higher or lower than 2*Avg.
Am I making sense?
_________________________
= Taym =
MK2a #040103216 * 100Gb *All/Colors* Radio * 3.0a11 * Hijack = taympeg