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Engineering to New Heights

Flight Principles Project

Due: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 Meeting Times: July 11th- August 3rd By: Brandon Judoprasetijo, Ruhi Sharfuddin, Melissa Wang, Nick Wong, and Kevin Wu

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this experiment was to design and construct a rubber-powered airplane for maximum endurance and range. This was a highly difficult feat that was accomplished in one try. The experiment was performed through various trials with different styles of planes. The factors determining the performance of the plane were wing weight, wing area, wing thickness, wing angle, style of rubber band, length of body, weight of body, length of propeller, and size of the tail. All the factors properly balanced together formed the perfect rubberpowered airplane that flew with maximum endurance and range, while staying under the 10 ounce maximum weight and 20$ expense restrictions. The most reasonable plane constructed was discovered after manipulating these factors in different ways with the prototype planes. Upon realizing that certain changes to these factors negatively affected the performance of the plane, other changes were experimented with. The angle of the wing was modified at a certain angle in order to produce maximum range. Ailerons were added for more lift as well. After more tests, a rudder was added by slitting the tail and the fin, an easy and intelligent technique. Another change made in order to have positive results was adding using two rubber bands instead of one. This in return hurt the timing of the airplane design, but greatly increased the durability. The body of the final airplane was composed of balsa wood, because it had the best durability and the lightest weight. Light weight was an important factor, because it affects the endurance and range of the airplane during flight. Another attempt in the previous prototypes was the usage of glue stick, but this method was not durable enough, so a hot glue gun was used for the final model. The components of the final model included the following: Board of cutout Styrofoam wings Plastic propeller Three 2-foot sticks of balsa wood 1 short cylindrical wood shard Two rubber bands Pair of plastic wheels

It was concluded that the perfect model plane would be made of the most lightweight material and a high increase in durability. Another important factor was the angle of the wings, which ultimately determined the speed and range of the airplane. After many experiments and tests with prototype planes, the final airplane was conceived through the many dependable factors changed and balanced appropriately.

Table of Contents
Title Page..1 Introduction.4-5 Observations...5-10 Flight Testing/Analysis.5-7 Equipment Schematics.8-9 Procedure9 Figures..9-10 Discussion10 Conclusions...11 References....11

INTRODUCTION
There are some feelings that people remember for the rest of their lives. These feelings may be the first time you fall in love, or when you overcome your worst fear, such as a roller coaster or sky diving. One feeling that we will definitely remember for the rest of our lives is when we had our first airplane flight. The anxiety while sitting in our seat, the unease we felt as the plane began to take off on the runway, and finally, the feeling of pure joy in our hearts when the plane finally took off. An airplane is an amazing invention, and we owe much credit to the Wright brothers for this unique and highly useful mechanism. Airplanes have allowed us to transport people and items in a quick and fast way from one city to another. This has greatly increased our economy, commerce, entertainment, and tourism. But has anyone ever wondered how exactly an airplane works? There is much thinking, time, and effort spent in order to create a device so impressive that it can carry at least 100 people and 600 pounds at extremely high elevations. We owe much of this credit to our hardworking and priceless engineers. This thinking has motivated us to discover how exactly an airplane works. However, it wouldn't be possible to actually fly with a pilot and experience it, or watch the engineers build an airplane. The perfect opportunity to answer our questions about flight came to us when we all signed up for an engineering class at DeAnza College. Our project for this class was to construct a rubber-powered airplane and discover its maximum potential using only $20. This project has given us a whole new insight on the world of flight, while exposing us to many other important factors, such as thrust, lift, drag, weight, wing area, and more. This report includes all our research, observations, and results from this project. All the information is put together in an organized and detailed fashion. The abstract page includes the purpose of our project, discoveries, achievements, conclusions, and an overall summary. The observations/analysis section includes the sketches of our different models, equations, calculations, a preliminary and final design, and data tables comparing the different models. The discussion section is made up of a final comparison of the results, and a connection of the

data with the objectives. Finally, the conclusion includes any final statements, and all the findings from this project. All of these sections together have composed our report on the rubber-powered airplane project for our engineering class.

Observations
Flight Testing/Analysis

Airplane Model 1: The Bat Plane

Description: The Batplane got its name from its uniquely shaped wings, which have a resemblance to the wings of a bat. This plane was constructed with construction paper, balsa wood, and a plastic propeller. Only one rubber-band was used for the flight of this plane. Results: We experimented with this wing shape because it was more durable and had a larger wing area. This should have ultimately increased the lift and stability. However, because of the

weight of the construction paper, the performance of this airplane was weak. The plane only flew for a few seconds before crashing to the ground. Because of its poor performance, the use of this model was not considered. Material Overall Speed Durability Rubber Band Time aloft (endurance) Range (distance traveled) Weight Wing span Construction Paper Medium Medium Single 2 seconds 5 feet 0.68oz 12 inches

Airplane Model 2: The Squirrel

Description: This airplane is based off of one of the most commonly used models for rubber-powered airplanes, known as the squirrel. This design uses light balsa wood for the frame of the wing, a light balsa body, a plastic propeller, a plastic propeller, and the same material used for the wings is used for the tail. On the wings there are also winglets on the wings of the airplane, which help to balance the effect of the wind on the wings. Results: This airplane had good hang-time in the air, however failed to give consistent results or take off from the ground. The material that was supposed to be used for this model was tissue paper, but due to the lack of this item, we used toilet paper. This appeared to be a good substitute, but during actual flight, was too weak and flimsy to handle the wind. It made the airplane fly all over the place during flight, which led us to eliminate using this model as a possibility. Material Overall Speed Durability Rubber Band Time aloft (endurance) Range (distance traveled) Tissue Paper Slow Weak Single 4 seconds 10 feet

Weight Wing span

0.54oz 12 inches

Airplane Model 3: The Styrocraft

Description: This model is the one that is the most unique from all the other models. The wing is made up of Styrofoam, which made a huge difference to the performance of the plane during flight. In order to create the wings, we cut the wings out from a piece of foam and rounded the edges. In addition, we cut flaps into the wings in order to create more lift. The foams flexibility also allowed us to manipulate the angle of our wings in order to produce the best results. The wings were positioned at a certain angle in order to improve the performance. Ailerons are included in this model to increase the lift during flight. Another significant difference is the use of two rubber bands, instead of one, which greatly increases the durability and power.

Results: This airplane had an amazing hang-time in the air, and flew a much further distance then the previous models. The endurance of this airplane has increased as well. The Styrofoam wings work well with the wind, and the usage of the ailerons also improved performance. The successful and consistent results of the model matched exactly what we were seeking. Takeoff distance Takeoff speed Maximum height attained in flight Gliding angle from max. height to touchdown Time aloft (endurance) Range (distance traveled) Weight Wing span 2 feet 10.9090mph 13 feet, 6 inches 17 degrees 5 seconds 80 feet 0.84oz 16 inches

Equipment Schematics

Highlights: The bigger propeller provided more power and allowed the plane to lift off from
the ground. The slight bend in the wings gave an extra bit of lift. Two rubber bands were used in order to give more durability and power. The foam provided a flexible and aerodynamic yet stable material that could with stand multiple blows to the plane.

Procedure
We started building our plane by cutting out a balsa wood strip for the body. Then, we created the Styrofoam wings by cutting them out from sources of foam. In order to make the wings better, we shaped them more towards an elliptical and cut tiny slits in order to create flaps, which would generate more lift. We did the same process for the tail and rudder. Finally, we attached the propeller and a wooden stick at the end of the plane in order to hold the rubber band motor.

Highlights: The main idea is to calculate the best way to keep the plane airborne as long as
possible. In order to that, we must find the best materials and tweaks for the plane as well as a reliable design. Multiple trials and experimentations will be used in order to gather data. After analyzing the problems of previous flights, adjustments can be made to improve the plane.

Figures
As seen from the results the plane flew within 2 feet on a 2 inch inclined ramp. The initial speed was around 24 mph and the maximum height reached was 13 feet and 6 inches. The maximum height was reached 44 feet away from the original starting position. However the distance flown was 80 feet therefore we can assume that the initial acceleration decreased due to kinetic friction between the air and the body. This allows us to give a rough estimate of the initial theta value that the plane flew at, which gave us a 17 angle. The time aloft in the air or the endurance of the plane was 5 seconds. Therefore we can calculate the average velocity by using the formula v=dx/dt where x is the change in distance or in our case the distance covered by our plane over the change in time, 5 seconds. Velocityv=16 ft/sec=10.9m/h Accelerationa=3.2ft/sec^2 Initial velocity of xVox=8ft/sec Initial velocity of yVoy=83.135ft/sec Force of gravityFgravity=-7.5133 N Force of xFx=7.9917 N Force of yFy=3.8582 N 1) Force = m(0.84) * a(from gravity)= 8.232 m/sec^2 [D] 2) Velocity(horizontal) = V * cos(theta)= 15.300

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3) Velocity(vertical) = V * sin(theta)= 4.6779 4) Velocity = a * t= 16ft/sec 5) Weight = m * a(from rubber band) = 2.688 We noticed that as we increased the size of the wings we managed to allow for a quicker acceleration as well as lift off we also noticed its inability to maintain a straight pathway. However the problem with the larger airplanes would not pass must fly within 5 feet requirement, therefore we were constantly trying to find the perfect weight to wing size ratio.

Discussion
The results have led us to various discoveries about the four principles of flight. In order to increase the planes capability of moving forward in a straight line, we found that was best achieved when the wings were placed in a position farther away from the propeller. We also discovered that the most effective type of wing was one that was rounded on the edges and had flaps. The flaps on the wings helped generate more lift. Many of our planes began nosediving straight to the floor mid-flight. We believed that this was because of too much weight on the nose of the plane. Our previous models struggled to lift off the ground on their own. We traced the problem back to the root and concluded that the main problem was with the propeller angle and size. A bigger propeller and straighter angle ended being the key to generating enough power for our plane to lift off. Another problem we decided to tackle was choosing what materials on the wing would make the plane most aerodynamic. We tried various materials, such as construction paper, plastic wrap, foil, and newspaper. All of these tests proved negative on the performance of the plane. The construction paper was too heavy and did not allow the plan to have a strong range and height. The plastic wrap was far too flimsy and hard to work with for the plane. The wind also distorted the plastic wrap in weird proportions because of its fragile composition. The foil and newspaper were both too heavy to work with. The wind did not work at all with the foil, and the newspaper was also too fragile to cooperate with the wind. The final material used for the final model was appropriately cut out Styrofoam wings. This material had a perfect weight, and also helped produced maximum endurance and range. It should be noted that the board of cutout Styrofoam wings were not just cut out. In fact the resulting shape was very different from its rectangular predecessor. The wings we used for out final product were trimmed into an elliptical shape very different from the original 16 inch by 4 inch rectangle and then folded on the l/3 mark of the width to create a more powerful wing type as well as bent on the mark of the wingspan to create a V-shape for the same reasons. The formation and shape of the wing were other important factors affecting the performance of the airplane. The tail we used was trimmed and given ailerons on each side for a much stronger lift. Our final concerns were with the rubber band. We discovered that using only one barely gave enough power for the plane to lift off. We also saw that it was prone to snapping due to low durability. Our solution was to use two rubber bands with long length. The extra length and

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doubling up provided a durable motor that could pack enough of a punch for the plane to lift off by itself. In the end, we discovered that the winding of the rubber band should be wound for 1.5 times the length of the body of the plane.

Conclusion
The following conclusions are supported by this study: 1. The farther back the wings are, the more lift is generated. 2. The farther forward the wings are, the more directly it will glide. 3. If the wings are too far back, the plane will appear to hover. 4. If the wings are too far forward, the plane will nose dive. 5. If there is too much weight on the nose portion of the plane, the plane will nose dive. 6. The most ideal material for the wings is one that is lightweight but also able to withstand multiple crashes. 7. The formation and shape of the wing affect the plane during its lift off and flight. 8. The edge of the wings should be rounded and should have a flap on both ends of the wing to maximize distance. 9. Rubber bands should be 1.5 times the length of the body of a plane and should be wound above 100 times, due to the fact that resistance in winding is directly outputted into power when flying.

References
Academy of Model Aeronautics. "AMA Cub Delta Dart: Rubber Band Model Airplane, Scouts,project-based Learning, Science Olympiad, Science Fair." Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. | 58 Johnson Street Winona, MN 55987 (888) 474-9995. Academy of Model Aeronautics, 03 Mar. 2004. Web. 03 Aug. 2011. <http://www.hbci.com/~bkuhl/rubber.htm>. NASA. "Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics." NASA - Title... NASA. Web. 03 Aug. 2011. <http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bga.html>.