Using 3-D Models for Code Validation with FoilSim

Subject Area: Industrial Technology and Mathematics

Grade Level: 9 - 12

National Standards:

Mathematics
  • Use and value the connections between mathematics and other disciplines.
  • Construct and draw inferences from charts, tables, and graphs that summarize data from real-world situations.

Technology

  • Technology Research Tools - Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning.
  • Technology Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity.

Objective:

After reading the explanation given below and an explanation of lift and wing area from a NASA Web site, use FoilSim to complete the activity to create tables of data sets comparing the lift values for a 3-D model of a symmetrical wing section to the values predicted by the FoilSim software.

Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics is a "textbook" of information prepared at NASA Glenn Research Center to help you better understand how airplanes work. Click Beginner's Guide Index to access the list of slides. Open the slide called Size Effect (with text) and read the explanation on how lift is directly proportional to the wing area.

FoilSim is an interactive simulation software package that examines the airflow around various shapes of airfoils. As you change parameters such as airspeed, altitude, angle of attack, thickness and curvature of the airfoil, and size of the wing area, the software calculates the lift. The package was created at the NASA Glenn Research Center.

FoilSim II is a Java applet program that executes inside the browser of your computer. It is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/foil2.html. You can also download the program to run off-line.

Shown below is a screen shot from the program's controls and displays. You may change the values of the variables by using the slider or the input box on the left of the slider.

To use the slider:

  1. Click the mouse pointer on the arrows at the ends of the slider.
  2. Click the mouse pointer anywhere between the slider and the arrow.
  3. Drag the slider with the mouse.

To use the input box:

Simply select the value in the input box, key in the new value, and press Enter or Tab when finished. The button on the slider will move corresponding to the value typed in the box.

Image of FoilSim Interface

  Using the FoilSim program, complete the 3-D Models for Code Validation Activity.

Assessment:

You, or you and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the feasibility or accuracy of your answers.

 Evaluation:

You will demonstrate the ability to use information found on the World Wide Web to complete the activity to create tables of data sets comparing the lift values for a 3-D model of a symmetrical wing section to the values predicted by FoilSim.

Submitted by:

William Glynn, Brookside High School, Sheffield, Ohio

E-mail: billg@centuryinter.net

Please send any comments to:
Curator: Tom.Benson@grc.nasa.gov
Responsible Official: Kathy.Zona@grc.nasa.gov