FoilSim Temperature and Altitude

Grade Level: 6th & 7th grades

National Math Standards:

• Mathematics as Problem Solving: Investigate and understand mathematical content. Verify and interpret results with respect to the original problem.
• Patterns and Functions: Describe and represent relationships with tables, graphs, and rules.
• Statistics: Systematically collect, organize, and describe data.

National Science Standards:

• Unifying Concepts and Processes: Understanding change, constancy, and measurement.
• Science as Inquiry: Demonstrating abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry.
• Physical Science: Understanding changes in properties in matter.

National Technology Standards:

• Technology productivity tools: Use content-specific tools, software and simulations (e.g.,environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research.
• 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.

Objectives:

After reading the explanation given below, use FoilSim to gather and record data on temperature and altitude generated by the FoilSim control panel.

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 the 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.

To begin problem, click on the Activity icon below.

Assessment:

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

Evaluation:

You will be able to use FoilSim to gather and record data. You will use data to make calculations regarding altitude and temperature.

Submitted by: James Naus, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio