Tech Directions - April 2008 - (Page 16)

A Peer-Reviewed Article Aeronautics Study Takes Off! Glider Design for Beginners By Edward J. Lazaros and Katie Carlson ejlazaros@bsu.edu TUDY of aeronautics is an interesting and motivating subject for students and educators alike. The activity we describe here—appropriate for upper elementary or middle school students—provides an excellent introduction to airplane design and the science of aerodynamics. It also gives students good experience applying knowledge from a variety of academic areas. After researching airplane design and aerodynamics, students will use graphic communication skills to draw a glider design. They will then build a glider using wood, lightweight paper or wax paper, and rubber bands. They will use language arts skills to document the design steps and manufacturing process. Finally, under instructor supervision, they will test their gliders, analyzing them for lift, drag, and overall performance. We begin with a section on research we’ve conducted on the evolution and current status of airplane flight and design. S Background Orville and Wilbur Wright received a patent for the first “flying machine” and nine months later, on December 17, 1903, completed their first successful flight. The Wright Edward J. Lazaros is an assistant professor, Department of Technology, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, and Katie Carlson is a teacher, Dresden Elementary School, Chamblee, GA. brothers’ “flying machine,” the Kitty Hawk, was the first engine-powered airplane, and on its first flight it soared to an altitude of 10', traveled 120', and landed 12 seconds after takeoff. In the past century, airplane design and technology have come a long way. Airplanes now travel thousands of miles at altitudes of more than seven miles. They can transport over 300 passengers who rest in relatively comfortable seats—as opposed to lying on their stomachs like Orville Wright did on that first flight. In the beginning, propellers provided the thrust that moved airplanes, but today jet engines have in many cases replaced propellers, resulting in the ability to travel faster—600 miles per hour. Hans von Ohain and Frank Whittle are recognized as co-inventors of the jet engine. The two inventors worked separately, not knowing about each other’s discoveries. According to Bellis, “Hans von Ohain is considered the designer of the first operational turbojet engine. Frank Whittle was the first to register a patent for the turbojet engine in 1930” (2006, para. 3-6). According to Lee in Professional Engineering, airplane design and flight have improved dramatically, and efforts are still being made to improve the quality of airplanes and flight. For example, as Brown (2004) has described, “Tiny twin cameras delicately attached to birds’ heads are giving aerospace engineers new visions for future aircraft. Now, NASA engineers are excited about the prospects of using the bird-cam imagery and technology to design planes with flexible wings” (p. 2). The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has set up the Aircraft Wing with Advanced Technology Operation project in conjunction with 23 industrial partners from across Europe. This project “aims to achieve a 5–7 percent reduction in drag, a 2 percent reduction in fuel burn over long distances, and a noise reduction of 2dB. Also, techniques to reduce aircraft wake, improved airbrakes, wingtip, and flow control devices will be investigated” (Lee, 2002, para. 4). Richard Noble, a researcher at Cranfield University, is conducting another effort to improve the airplane, with a long-term vision based around the blended-wing aircraft design. Lee (1999) states, “He [Richard Noble] believes the design could bring benefits such as a reduction in drag, lower structural weight, enhanced lift characteristics, and improved efficiency. It could also lead to planes carrying up to 1,000 people and with more facilities such as casinos, bars, and shops on board” (p. 20). According to Hutchinson (2006), “One of the keys to the airplane’s design is a manufacturing technique known as friction stir welding, a lowtemperature welding process that results in less stress in metals than conventional welding does. A few more than 250 welds have taken the place of an estimated 7,000 fasteners in the aircraft” (p. 10). 16 techdirections ◆ APRIL 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - April 2008

Tech Directions - April 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology's Past Technology Today Mastering Computers A Bridge to the Future Aeronautics Study Takes Off! Glider Design for Beginners Project Engineer in the Heavy Construction Industry for Renewable Energy Annual Buyers' Guide More than Fun

Tech Directions - April 2008

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