Glider Project Notes

Glider Design Challenge

• Criteria:

  • Travel at least 20 feet. This criterion ensures the glider is functional and capable of achieving a minimum level of performance. Successful designs should aim to significantly exceed this requirement.

  • Budget under 20. This constraint encourages cost-effective design choices and efficient use of available materials. Students learn to prioritize essential components while staying within budget.

  • Use lightweight materials. Lightweight construction is crucial for maximizing flight distance and duration. Explore materials like balsa wood, thin cardboard, and lightweight plastics. Consider density, strength, and availability when selecting materials. Conduct preliminary tests to assess material properties and identify potential issues.

  • Small glider size (1.5 x 1.5 x 2). The size restriction promotes compact and aerodynamic designs. Students must consider how the glider's dimensions affect its stability and maneuverability.

  • Weight no more than 2 lb. Weight affects the glider's ability to stay airborne. Minimizing weight is essential for achieving optimal flight performance. Precision in material selection and assembly is necessary to meet this criterion. Explore weight-saving techniques such as material removal or structural optimization. Use precise measurement tools to monitor weight during the construction process.

  • Easy to assemble and follow. Simplicity in design ensures that the glider can be easily replicated and understood by others. Clear instructions and minimal parts contribute to a user-friendly design.

Materials

• Gliders can be made from cardboard, balsa wood, foam, popsicle sticks, paper, straws, Styrofoam (lightweight materials). Material choice should prioritize a high strength-to-weight ratio to optimize flight performance. Consider the aerodynamic properties of each material and how it can be manipulated to enhance lift and stability. Conduct research on different materials and their suitability for glider construction. Explore composite materials that combine the benefits of multiple materials. Document material properties and their impact on glider performance.

  • Expanded Details:

    • Balsa Wood: Known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for wings and fuselage. Offers good workability and can be easily shaped. However, it might be more expensive than other options.

    • Cardboard: A cost-effective and readily available option. Provides reasonable strength and can be easily cut and folded. Suitable for prototyping and initial design iterations. Consider using different thicknesses of cardboard to optimize strength and weight.

    • Foam: Lightweight and easy to shape. Offers good insulation properties, which can be beneficial in certain environmental conditions. Explore different types of foam, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), each with varying densities and properties.

    • Popsicle Sticks: Can be used for structural reinforcement and creating rigid components. Offer good strength and are easy to work with. Consider using them for wing spars, control surfaces, or fuselage reinforcement.

    • Paper: Versatile and lightweight. Suitable for creating aerodynamic surfaces and control surfaces. Experiment with different types of paper, such as tissue paper, copy paper, or cardstock, to optimize weight and strength.

    • Straws: Can be used for creating lightweight structural supports or control linkages. Offer good rigidity and are easy to cut and connect. Consider using them for wing spars, control horns, or pushrods.

    • Styrofoam: Extremely lightweight and buoyant. Suitable for creating lightweight cores for wings or fuselage. However, it is fragile and prone to damage. Consider coating it with a protective layer of fiberglass or epoxy resin.

• Additional materials such as tape, glue, and small weights may also be used for assembly and adjustment.

Brainstorming

• Paper gliders (lightweight and easy to produce). Start with simple paper airplane designs to understand basic aerodynamic principles. Experiment with different folding techniques and wing shapes to observe their effects on flight characteristics. Consider incorporating adjustable control surfaces for fine-tuning the glider's performance.

  • Brainstorming Techniques:

    • Lateral Thinking: Encourage unconventional ideas and explore all possibilities, regardless of feasibility.

    • Mind Mapping: Create a visual representation of ideas and their relationships to stimulate further innovation.

    • SCAMPER: Use the SCAMPER technique (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse) to generate new ideas based on existing ones.

• Supplies: copy paper (5.57), small plywood (5.48), paper clips (1.27), rubber bands (3.88); Total: 16.20. These materials provide a balance of flexibility and rigidity, allowing for both lightweight construction and structural integrity. Paper clips and rubber bands can be used to adjust the glider's center of gravity and wing tension, respectively. Explore alternative fasteners such as staples or adhesive putty.

Analysis of Potential Solutions

• Paper or cardboard for flexibility and lightweight.

• Wood for better aesthetic/prototype look.

Parameters

• Focus on paper airplanes (cheapest and most universal). This allows for rapid prototyping and iteration. Paper airplanes serve as an accessible introduction to aerodynamics and flight principles. Evaluate the trade-offs between simplicity and performance when selecting paper airplane designs. Consider the impact of paper type, folding techniques, and control surface adjustments on flight characteristics.

  • Expanded Details:

    • Wing Area: Determine the appropriate wing area based on the desired lift and stability characteristics. Larger wing areas generate more lift but also increase drag.

    • Aspect Ratio: Select an appropriate aspect ratio (wingspan/chord) to optimize lift and minimize induced drag. High aspect ratios are generally more efficient but can be more challenging to manufacture.

    • Airfoil: Choose an airfoil shape that provides the desired lift and drag characteristics. Explore different airfoil profiles and their suitability for low-speed flight.

• Goal: Paper airplane design that travels up to 100 feet. Set a challenging but achievable performance target to motivate innovation. Analyze flight data to identify factors that limit flight distance. Explore techniques for optimizing glide ratio and minimizing energy loss during flight.

• Using 8.5 in x 11 in paper. This standard size simplifies manufacturing and allows for easy comparison between designs. Consider using different paper sizes to explore the impact of wing area on flight performance. Ensure that the paper is of consistent quality and free from wrinkles or imperfections.

• Consistent testing method for comparison. Standardize launch procedures and environmental conditions to minimize variability. Use a controlled launch mechanism or a consistent hand-launch technique. Conduct tests in a calm indoor environment to avoid the influence of wind or turbulence. Record flight data systematically, including distance, flight time, and launch angle.

1st Developed Models

• Dart Glider: 15 feet / 1.8 secs, Velocity: ~8 ft/sec

• Hunting Flight: 3 feet / 1.45 sec, Velocity: ~2 ft/sec

• Underside Glider: 5 feet 1.34 sec, Velocity: ~3ft/sec

Reflection/Adjustments

• Initial goal not met (100 feet target). Evaluate the factors that contributed to the shortfall in performance. Analyze flight data to identify areas for improvement. Consider modifying the wing shape, control surfaces, or center of gravity to enhance flight characteristics.

  • Detailed Adjustments:

    • Wing Modifications: Alter the wing shape, such as adding winglets or changing the camber, to improve lift and reduce drag. Experiment with different wing sweep angles to optimize stability and maneuverability.

    • Control Surfaces: Adjust the size, shape, and position of control surfaces to improve responsiveness and control. Consider using adjustable control surfaces for fine-tuning during flight testing.

    • Center of Gravity: Shift the center of gravity forward or backward to optimize stability and trim. Experiment with different weight distributions to find the ideal balance between stability and maneuverability.

• Adjustments: Change objective to 20 feet, test more designs and launch methods. Prioritize designs that consistently achieve the revised performance target. Explore alternative launch techniques, such as using a catapult. Document all adjustments and their impact on flight performance.

New Proposed Models

• The Phoenix Lock: Larger wings, forward center of gravity for greater lift; Lower wing loading allows slower flights.

• The Super Canard: Two sets of wings for better stability and stall resistance.

• The Tube Plane: Relies on spinning for lift using a boundary layer effect.

New Models Testing Phase 1

• The Phoenix Lock: 10 feet / 0.8 secs Velocity: ~ 12.5 ft/ sec

• The Super Canard: 12 feet / 1.43 sec Velocity: ~8.39 ft/ sec

• The Tube Plane: 12 feet / 2.20 sec Velocity: ~ 5.45 ft/sec

Decision Making

• Test each glider three times, predict results, and analyze what makes a glider travel farthest. Implementing controlled experiments will help quantify performance differences between designs. Record data systematically, noting any variables that may influence results, such as launch angle and wind conditions. Statistical analysis can be used to identify significant trends and optimize glider designs.

• Use a catapult to equalize launch force. A consistent launch mechanism will minimize variability in initial conditions, allowing for more accurate performance comparisons. Calibrate the catapult to ensure consistent energy input for each launch. Consider using a digital force sensor to measure the launch force and make necessary adjustments.

• Create a work packet connecting design, assembly, and testing to engineering components. The work packet should guide students through the engineering design process, including problem definition, concept generation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Include worksheets for recording data, analyzing results, and reflecting on design decisions. Assessments can be incorporated to evaluate students' understanding of engineering principles and their ability to apply them to the glider design challenge.

Communication and Specification

• Launch paper glider with a plywood launcher and compare to hand-thrown results. This comparison will quantify the impact of the launcher on flight performance. Analyze launch data to determine the optimal launch angle and force. Document the advantages and disadvantages of using a launcher compared to hand-thrown launches.

  • Communication Strategies:

    • Written Reports: Prepare detailed written reports summarizing the design process, testing results, and conclusions. Use clear and concise language, and include appropriate graphs, charts, and diagrams.

    • Oral Presentations: Deliver oral presentations to communicate the project findings to a wider audience. Use visual aids and practice effective presentation skills.

    • Design Posters: Create design posters to showcase the glider designs and their key features. Use visually appealing graphics and concise descriptions.

• Students design their own launcher. This activity encourages creativity and problem-solving skills. Provide students with specific design requirements and constraints. Encourage them to explore different launcher mechanisms and materials. Facilitate peer review and collaboration to improve launcher designs.

Glider Launcher Results

• Phoenix Lock: 21.7 ft / 1.43 sec Velocity: 15.17 ft/sec (at 16°)

• Super Canard: 12.6 ft / 0.56 sec Velocity: 22.5 ft/sec (at 8°)

• Dart: 25 ft / 1.51 Velocity: 16.55 ft/sec (at 22°)

Final Hand Throw Velocity

• Phoenix Lock: 27 ft / 2 sec | Velocity: 13.5 ft/ sec

• Super Canard: 15 ft / 1.26 sec | Velocity: 11.90 ft/ sec

• Dart: 20 ft / 1.15 sec | Velocity: 17.39 ft/ sec

Post-Implementation Review

• Budget met (16.20 total). A detailed budget analysis should be conducted to identify areas where costs can be further reduced. Investigate alternative suppliers for materials and explore opportunities for bulk purchasing. Consider the environmental impact of material choices and prioritize sustainable options whenever possible.

• Criteria met: stayed below budget, met parameters, and provided a lab report. Evaluate the effectiveness of the project in achieving its intended learning outcomes. Collect feedback from students through surveys or focus groups to identify areas for improvement. Analyze the quality of lab reports and assess students' ability to communicate their findings effectively.

• Project teaches students how engineers balance criteria to create favorable solutions. The project's success in teaching engineering principles should be assessed through a variety of methods. Observe students' problem-solving approaches during the design process. Review their design documentation to evaluate their understanding of trade-offs and optimization techniques. Conduct post-project interviews to gauge their overall learning experience and identify any misconceptions.

Lab Report

• Learning objectives: Navigate the engineering design process and use SOLVEM.

• Objective: Test 3 paper airplane designs to see which flies farthest.

• Test each design and record distances and flight times.

• Calculate velocity for each design using the equation