Wind Tunnel

SCIENCE CONCEPT:

A wind tunnel is used by scientists to test model airplanes which have the same shape as actual airplanes. Using the wind tunnel gives the scientists information about how a certain plane would respond in flight.

STUDENT OBJECTIVE:

The student will explore how wind currents create lift for an airplane using a wind tunnel, a fan, and model airplanes made out of balsa wood, heavy cardboard, or plastic.

OVERVIEW:

In this activity, the student will build a wind tunnel made out of a dozen one-quart cardboard mail cartons taped together with duct tape. After building the wind tunnel, the student will either make or purchase model airplanes. Then the student will hold the plane on the end of a string behind the wind tunnel, turn on an electric fan set in front of the wind tunnel (which will provide the air currents) and observe how the plane responds to the "wind currents".

PREPARATION TIME:

25 minutes.

LESSON TIME:

2 days - 60 minutes each day (depending on whether you build your model airplanes or not). It will take one 60 minute time frame if you do not build the model airplanes.

TEACHER PREP:

Gather materials for the wind tunnel. You will need a dozen one-quart cardboard milk cartons, duct tape, electric fan, and model airplanes made out of either balsa wood, heavy cardboard, or plastic.

WORDS TO KNOW:

wind tunnel

air currents

airfoil

lift

thrust

drag

TEACHER TEXT:

In using a wind tunnel, scientists are able to determine how wind currents affect the lift of different types of airplanes. Determining the affects of lift on planes is an important part in the design and make of aircraft.

The design of the airfoil (wing) is such a vital part of the plane's ability in flight. The cross-section of a wing has a shape called an airfoil. As the wing moves through the air, the air divides to pass around the wing. The airfoil is curved so that air passing above the wing moves faster than air passing beneath. Fast-moving air has a lower pressure than slow-moving air. The pressure of the air is therefore greater beneath the wing than above it. This difference in air pressure forces the wing upward. The force is called lift.

A glider is the simplest kind of winged aircraft. It is first pulled along the ground until it is moving fast enough for the lift generated by the wings to exceed its weight. The glider then rises into the air and flies. After release, the glider continues to move forward as it drops slowly, pulled by a thrust force due to gravity. Friction with the air produces a force called drag that acts to hold the glider back. These two pairs of opposing forces - lift and weight, thrust and drag - act on all aircraft.

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Last modified: Sat Dec 20 15:11:46 PST 1997