You will be doing a Web Quest about some main issues of the aerodynamics of kites.
- Before starting, write what you think you already know about each of the following topics.
- Then conduct the Web Quest and add to/change your initial ideas as you go.
- Tip #1: Write in your own words or put quotations around direct quotes. You may want to use some of these ideas later, so you need to know which are your words versus the words of others.
- Tip #2: Use the FIND function in your network browser to find keywords on any page. This will speed up your scanning for information!
- Tip #3: Don't spend too much time on one question. If you can't find the answer, move on- you may find it later!
- Aerodynamics: In what direction do lift, drag, and weight occur? How could these be measured?
- Newton's Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. How is this related to kite flying? (Hint: How is it related to #1?)
- What is cant or bowing? How does cant help create lift and stability? Is there a limit to its power (too much or too little cant)?
- Some kites have one string, and some have more. What are advantages to having more?
- Some kites fly better at different wind speeds. Describe the speeds and which kites work best with them. Also describe the feature of each kite that makes it best suited for that speed.
- What is venting? What purpose does it serve?
- Almost all kites have tails. What functions do they serve? Would it be better to have a long or short tail for a kite at high altitude?
- What is a rudder and where would you find it on a kite? How is it controlled? What purpose does it serve?
- Most people think kites are just for fun. However, historically, kites have had more functional purposes. What are these?
- Bernoulli's Principle is very important for flier design. Describe the principle and how it will apply to your kite.
- Symmetry is very important in almost all designs, and an example of this is the formation of a dihedral. What is a dihedral? If your kite is asymmetrical, what is likely to occur?
- What is pitch and roll? What parts of the kite influence pitch and roll?
- What is the bridle point? What trigonometric equation is used to find it?
- Aspect ratio is an important concept to consider when developing any flier. What is it? Describe how aspect ratio influences lift and drag. Which is better: a kite with a high or low aspect ratio?
- If the wind is coming from the East, in which direction do you run/walk, to get your kite to take flight?
- Experimentation with kites led several scientists to some major discoveries/developments in many fields. List as many of them as you can:
- Do you have any other questions about kites? (optional)
Here are sites to start your quest. Split things up in your group and remember to use your FIND function in your browser to speed up scanning! When you click on these sites, you may be exiting the NASA web site. These sites are not under NASA control, and NASA is not responsible for the information or links you may find there. NASA is providing these links only as a convenience. The presence of these links on any NASA web site is not intended to imply NASA endorsement of that site, but to provide a convenient link to relevant sites which are managed by other organizations, companies, or individuals.