Altitude and Flight Forces

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.

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.

The software package FoilSim, which allows you to generate a data set of information to investigate this force, was created at NASA Glenn Research Center. FoilSim is an interactive program that determines the airflow around various shapes of airfoils. As changes occur in the parameters of airspeed, altitude, angle of attack, thickness and curvature (camber) of the airfoil, and the size of the wing area, FoilSim calculates the lift. This software may be downloaded off the World Wide Web at FoilSim Download for Macintosh, MS-Windows 3.x, 95, or NT platforms.

Shown below is a screen shot from the program showing the controls and displays. The values of the variables may be changed by using the slider or the input box to the left of the slider.

To use the slider:

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

To use the input box:

Select the value in the input box, type in the new value, and press Enter or Tab when finished. The button on the slider will move to a position corresponding to the value entered in the box. (Note: This is the easier method to use when specific values are needed.)

To begin the activity, click on the Altitude and Flight Forces Activity.

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.