The purpose of this experiment is to
explore different wing designs using applied math, and to give you an
opportunity to collect and analyze data by testing the planes.
Materials:
• Paper
•
Tape
Procedure:
1. Fold a piece of paper in half
lengthwise and then unfold.
2. Fold one side in half.
3. Fold the same side in half again.
4. Fold this over the first crease you made and tape.
5. Crease the plane at the center point and fold down the wings as
shown.
Try the following:
• Make
several planes of different sizes and make a table recording the wing
size (length and width), the wing area, the wing aspect ratio, and how far the plane
flew on several different tests.
• Can
you see any relationship between win
g shape and
flying distance? Write a brief paragraph to announce your results.
-Back
to Day 2-3 Lesson- -Back to
Air Foil Experiment-
Wing Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is a measure of how square the wing is. It is
calculated by dividing the wing length from tip to tip by the wing
width. Generally, higher aspect ratios are more efficient during low
speed flying.
