The Lift Equation

Subject Area(s):

Algebra I

Grade Level:

9-10

National Mathematics Standards:

Mathematics as Problem Solving:

Students will be able to use, with increasing confidence, problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand mathematical content.

Mathematics as Communication:

Students will be able to express mathematical ideas orally and in writing.

Mathematics as Reasoning:

Students will be able to make and test conjectures.

Algebra:

Students will be able to use tables and graphs as tools to interpret expressions, equations, and inequalities.

Objective(s):

After reading the explanation given below, use FoilSim to complete the activity. You will solve a multivariable equation for each of the variables and apply the results to various problems in different situations.

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 the research being conducted here.

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 side 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 arrows.
  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 Investigating the Lift Equation.

Assessment:

You, or you and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the accuracyor feasibility of your answers and your ability to explain how you arrived at your decisions.

Evaluation:

You will demonstrate the ability to use information found on the World Wide Web and in FoilSim to complete the activities and discuss your findings.

Submitted by:

Paula L. Phillips, North Olmsted High School, North Olmsted, Ohio


Please send any comments to:
Web Site Related: Dale Morris (Dale.J.Morris@grc.nasa.gov), Technology Related: Tom Benson(Tom Benson@lerc.nasa.gov)