Design of Airfoils and Problem- Solving Using FoilSim

Subject Area: Physical Science

Grade Level: 9

National Standards:

• Science as Inquiry: Understandings about scientific inquiry.
• Physical Science: Motions and forces.
• Science and Technology:
  • Abilities of technological design.
  • Understandings about science and technology.

Objective:

After reading the explanation given below, complete the problem-solving activities to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts presented.

Time Required: 2-5 days

FoilSim is an interactive simulation software package that determines the airflow around various shapes of airfoils. As you change parameters such as 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.

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 solving, click on Design of Airfoils and Problem-Solving Using FoilSim.

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 predict consequences and complete supplemental activities that provide further investigation of an airplane wing that generates a given lift.

 Submitted by: Richard Shea, Rogers High School, Toledo, Ohio