Lift
A fluid flowing past the surface of a body exerts a surface force on it. Lift is the
component of this force that is perpendicular to the oncoming flow direction.[1] It contrasts with
the drag force, which is the component of the surface force parallel to the flow direction. If the
fluid is air, the force is called an aerodynamic force.
Thrust
Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newton's second and third laws. When a
system expels or accelerates mass in one direction the accelerated mass will cause a proportional
but opposite force on that system.
Bernoulli’s Principal
In fluid dynamics, Bernoulli's principle states that for an inviscid flow, an increase in the speed
of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's
potential energy.[1][2]
When do you get highest and lowest pressure
High speed = low pressure
low speed = high pressure
Airfoil
Stall
In fluid dynamics, a stall is a reduction in the lift coefficient generated by a foil (fluid
mechanics) as angle of attack increases. This occurs when the critical angle of attack of the foil is
exceeded. The critical angle of attack is typically about 15 degrees, but it may vary significantly
depending on the fluid, foil and Reynolds number. In recent years there has been an increasing
use of vectored thrust in manned and unmanned aircraft to surpass the stall limit, thereby giving
rise to post-stall technology.[1][2]
(Because stalls are most commonly discussed in connection with aviation, this article discusses
stalls mainly as they relate to aircraft, particularly fixed-wing aircraft. The principles of stall
discussed here translate to foils in other fluids as well.)
Stalls in fixed-wing flight are often experienced as a sudden reduction in lift as the pilot
increases angle of attack and exceeds the critical angle of attack (which may be due to slowing
down below stall speed in level flight). A stall does not mean that the engine(s) have stopped
working, or that the aircraft has stopped moving—the effect is the same even in an unpowered
glider aircraft.
Why is this important or a glider
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics is a branch of dynamics concerned with studying the motion of air, particularly when it
interacts with a moving object
Symmetry
Symmetry (from the Greek: "συμμετρεῖν" = to measure together), generally conveys two
primary meanings. such that it reflects beauty or perfection. The second meaning is a precise and
well-defined concept of balance or "patterned self-similarity" that can be demonstrated or proved
according to the rules of a formal system: by geometry, through physics or otherwise.
Balance
OBJECTIVE:
Design a paper glider that, when released, will fly the furthest.
Materials Given:
One piece of paper, 8½ X 11 inches.
One standard paperclip
Restrictions:
1. Students will DROP the gliders from the top of a set elevation. (There will be NO THROWING of
the planes).
2. The gliders will be made from the 8½ X 11 sheet of paper and one paper clip only. There is to be
no tape used.
Research: Answers all questions and paste the questions in complete sentences. You may use your
notes or internet resources. If you use internet resources you must cite the source. Type your answers
on a separate sheet of paper and attach them to this sheet.
1. What is LIFT and how does it help a plane to fly?
2. What is THRUST?
3. What is BERNOULLI’S PRINCIPLE and how does it apply to physics?
a. With Bernoulli’s principle, when do you get the lowest and highest pressures?
4. What is an AIRFOIL?
5. What is a STALL? Is it important for a plane/glider to fly?
6. What are AERODYNAMICS, SYMMETRY, BALANCE and why are they important in your paper
glider?
Data:
Attempt
Distance
Modifications
Distance
Modifications
Practice Attempt #1
Practice Attempt #2
Practice Attempt #3
Attempt
Final Attempt #1
Final Attempt #2
Final Attempt #3
Rubric:
Criteria
Potential Points
Research Questions
Answered Fully & Accurately
20
Design Sketch
Accurate & Appropriate
20
Data Collection
Detailed & Complete
20
Successful Attempt
Furthest Point Reached
40
100
Actual Points
Earned