Measuring Elevation Activity

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If so instructed by your teacher, print out a worksheet page for these problems.

Overview

In this activity, you will design wing models out of balsa wood (or some other comparable material) and experimentally calculate their lift at certain speeds and angles. You will then use FoilSim to determine your elevation by entering those measured values into the program.

Materials

The FoilSim program.

Balsa wood, glue, and tissue paper to create wing models.

A bicycle tthat has been modified to test your wing models.

Stopwatch, measuring tape, and protractor. 

 Procedure

You need to study each of the preparation pages and make the modifications as shown on the design page.

PREPARATION About FoilSim

PREPARATION Background Information and Research Avenues

DESIGN Modified Bicycle Design

1. Gather information on both the flat and Lilienthal wings with which the Wright Brothers worked. Briefly list the information you discover, and explain how this will affect the models you create.
2. Build a wing model out of balsa wood. The area should be restricted to 1 square foot.
3. Attach the models to the modified bicycle, making sure to measure the angle at which the model is placed on the bicycle. Record the angle.
4. Attach masses to the bar. Run three trials using 25 g, 50 g, and 75 g.
5. As the driver pulls forward, record your observations. Make careful observations. As the mass starts to lift, start the stopwatch and mark the location of the bicycle. With the driver maintaining a steady speed, time the bicycle for a certain distance traveled.
6. Measure the distance traveled and record the time and distance.
7. Complete the questions and calculations on the worksheet.
8. Use the values obtained on the worksheet, and set those values into the FoilSim program. Modify camber to estimate the shape of your wing. Vary the elevation until the lift matches the weight lifted by your wing models.
9. Record this elevation.
10. Design a report, either written or a presentation, that explains your experimental procedure, your results, and the reasons for your results.