Wing Efficiency 8th Grade Science Fair Projects

8th grade science fair projects take a look at wing designs...

Wolf
Grade 8

Objectives/Goals

I investigated this project in order to determine how different wings and their surfaces affected their efficiency.

Methods/Materials

In a wind tunnel, I placed four wings, two were control subjects with smooth surfaces and two were experimental subjects with a surface smoothness that varied from the control wings. I placed them individually in the wind tunnel and using a force probe, measured the lift and drag each wing produced.

Results

I found that a wing with a smooth surface is more efficient than a wing with an unsmooth surface.

Conclusions/Discussion

Further extensions of this investigation include finding effective control surfaces for aircraft that create drag and deplete much of the wing's lift in order to make landings safer. Other possible research applications include finding an airfoil that is more efficient for manned gliders or solar powered aircraft.  3rd party site