FoilSim Characteristics of Lift and Wing Area

Grade Level: 7-10

National Science Standards:

• Mathematics: Represent problem situations with geometric models and apply properties of figures; use tables and graphs as tools to interpret relationships.
• Science: Demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry and of the relationships among motion and forces.

National Technology Standards:

• Technology productivity tools: Use of content-specific tools, software and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research.
• Technology communications tools: Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity.
• 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.
• Technology problem-solving and decision making tools: Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum.

Objectives:

After reading the explanation given below, use FoilSim to complete the activity and investigate the factors that affect lift and how wing area and lift are related.

FoilSim is an interactive simulation software package that determines the airflow around various shapes of airfoils. As you change the parameters of 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 NASA Glenn Research Center to illustrate an example of their research.

Macintosh or MS-Windows 3.x, 95, or NT versions of FoilSim are available for downloading off the World Wide Web at FoilSim Download.

Shown below is a screen shot from the program showing 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 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.

To begin the problem, click on the Activity button below.

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

Evaluation:

You will be able to use FoilSim to complete the activity of investigating factors that affect lift, determining the areas of triangles, and how to draw and interpret graphs.

Submitted by: George Curcic, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio