|
Discuss with the students the concept of lift and the importance of
the shape of the wings of aircraft. Do the experiment together as a
class.
|
|
Make a large bundle of straws by taking 12 dozen straws and taping
together with duct tape.
|
|
Place the bundle of straws in a large box with both ends open. The
box needs to be large enough for the fan to be 'inside' the box. The fan
needs to be pointed toward the bundle of straws.
|
|
Place the platform balance on the other side of the box with straws
and fan.
|
|
|
|
Turn on the fan through the bundle of straws. The wind from the fan
must be straightened out before it is useful for measurements. This is
done by the bundle of straws and the protected box around the straws and
fan.
|
|
Measure the force of lift on each of the models of wings by placing
them one at a time on the pan of the platform balance. Then place
weights on the other pan on the platform balance to restore balance to
the platform balance. The amount of weight that must be added to than
pan to restore balance is a measure of the lift. Are the curved wings
better than flat ones? Does it matter at what angle to the wing the wing
is held?
|
|
Have a discussion with the students about the experiment.
|
|
