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Beginner's
Guide to Aerodynamics
Altitude and Flight Forces
Subject Area:
Mathematics,
Physical Science
Grade Level:
9 - 12
National Mathematics
Standards:
- Represent situations
that involve variable quantities with tables, equations, and graphs.
- Make connections
and comparisons between tables, equations, and graphs.
- Draw inferences
from information provided by tables and graphs that summarize data from
real-world situations.
- Use curve-fitting
to predict from data.
- Analyze the effects
of parameter changes on the graphs of functions.
- Express mathematical
ideas in writing.
National Science
Standards:
- Demonstrate an
understanding of how to create and use models.
- Demonstrate an
understanding of and the ability to perform scientific inquiry.
- Apply an understanding
of science and technology.
National Technology
Standards:
- Technology research
tools: Use content-specific tools, software and simulations (e.g.,
environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments,
Web tools) to support learning and research; select and use appropriate
tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and
solve problems.
- Problem-Solving
and Decision-Making Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line
information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications,
communications, and productivity.
Objectives:
- Use the World Wide
Web to access and use FoilSim.
- Use the World Wide
Web to access the NASA Glenn Web site for information relative to the
factors involved with the flight of an airplane.
Most of us have flown
at one time or another. The typical passenger boards an airplane with
a piece of carryon luggage, along with a suitcase in the cargo hold. At
takeoff, we feel the effect of the combination of factors that allow the
airplane to complete a liftoff.
Think about the weight
of the airplane including its internal components (such as the engine,
fuel tanks, landing gear, etc.), the passengers, and all of the luggage
or cargo. This activity will consider the force that is needed to successfully
lift a fully loaded aircraft off the ground.
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:
- Click the mouse
pointer on the arrows at the ends of the slider.
- Click the mouse
pointer anywhere between the slider and the arrow.
- 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.
To begin the activity,
click on the Altitude and Flight Forces
Activity.
Assessment:
You, as individuals
or in cooperative groups, will be evaluated on:
- The feasibility
of your answers.
- Your explanations
for given questions.
Evaluation:
You will
be evaluated on your ability to make observations and state opinions about
the effects of altitude changes on the flight of an airplane, including
density, pressure, lift, and drag.
Submitted by:
Christine Nagy Warren, Olmsted Falls High School, Olmsted Falls, Ohio.
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