Transcript Paper Helicopters info

Paper Helicopters

Science
 Design Options
 Flight Suggestions
Science

What makes it fall?
 What makes it slow
down as it falls?
 Does it continue to
speed up as it falls?
 Which way does it
spin? Always?
The downward force is:
Gravity
The Apple and the Moon
Newton didn’t discover gravity
 Galileo – concept of inertia.
 The moon follows a curved path because of
gravity.
 Gravity extends throughout the universe

Your helicopter will fall at a
constant speed when it reaches:


Terminal Velocity
This happens when
gravity force = friction
force.
 Skydivers reach this
point at about 125 mph
 Parachutist reach it at
about 10-15 mph
What slows your helicopter down?

Fluid Friction
 Air is a fluid?
 Sure. Fluids flow; both gas and
liquid

Also called:
 Air resistance – friction that acts
on something moving through
the air

More friction = more resistance
Design Options

Same design but
larger or smaller
 Change wing size
and/or shape
 Change body size
and/or shape
 Other ideas?
Sketch several ideas…..
This one shows how
to design wings that
tilt inward
What if you tried
outward?
Experiment!
Tips for a good flight….
Angle your wings slightly upward
 Make sure the wings are equal in size
and shape
 Try releasing it in a variety of ways
 The sooner it starts spinning the better

Have Fun!!