Airfoil Easy Aerodynamics Science Fair Projects

Airfoil science fair projects soar high above the competition...

Colleen
Grade 11

Objectives/Goals

My objective for this project was to identify which of the custom made airfoils is the most aerodynamic when tested for drag within a wind tunnel at various wind speeds.

Methods/Materials

The material I used to make the airfoils was balsa wood, because it is light weight and easy to cut. I tested the twelve airfoils by suspending them in a wind tunnel with a balance, and then connecting them to the drag scale with fishing wire and paper clips. The airfoils were connected to the balance with a steel rod so that it would not pivot up and down, but only back and forth.

Results

The results I received after conducting this experiment was that Airfoil #4 was the most aerodynamic with an average drag of 2.17 grams and a maximum drag of 7 grams at 3200 feet per minute. Airfoil #1 came in second with an average drag of 2.67 grams and a maximum drag of 9 grams at 3200 feet per minute. Airfoils'5 and #9 came in last with average drags of 14.33 grams.

Conclusions/Discussion

In conclusion, my hypothesis was incorrect. Airfoil #1 came in second, and not in first as I had predicted. Airfoil #4 proved to be most aerodynamic of the twelve airfoils tested. This may be due to various factors (ex. mass). My objective and goals for this experiment were fulfilled. The information I have obtained in Phase 2 will work with Phase 1 in the future to create a complete model of an airplane or rocket to expand my knowledge of aerodynamics and physics.  3rd party site