Wind Tunnel Testing

Student Worksheet: Wind Tunnel Simulator

You are a team of engineers who have been given the challenge of building a new automobile prototype that offers the best fuel efficiency by creating the least drag or resistance to the wind.
 
 Research/Preparation Phase

1. Review the various Student Reference Sheets, and if internet access is available try out a virtual wind tunnel at http://wright.nasa.gov/airplane/tunnl2int.html.  

 Planning as a Team

1. Your team has been provided with some "construction materials" by your teacher.  You have tape, string, plastic wrap, foil, popsicle sticks, toothpicks, paperclips, paper, pencils, cardboard, one cardboard tube (from paper towel or toilet paper roll) and must use all materials so all cars weigh the same.

2. Start by meeting with your team and devising a plan for your car. Feel how strong the wind will blow in your classroom wind tunnel so you can anticipate how strong your car must be. Your car must hold its form through all wind levels and move the least to indicate it has the least resistance to the wind. 

3. Write or draw your plan in the box below, including your projection for the materials you'll require to complete the construction. Present your design to the class, and explain your choice of materials. You may choose to revise your teams' plan after you receive feedback from class.  

	
Materials Needed:

	
      Wind Tunnel Testing

Student Worksheet: Wind Tunnel Simulator

 Construction Phase

1. Build your car!  

 Ramp Test
Your car must pass a ramp test before fan testing.  It must roll down a ramp set at an angle of 15 degrees and must roll at least 4 feet before it's "certified" for wind testing.

 The Wind Tunnel Test!
1. Observe as your team and other teams test their prototypes in your classroom wind tunnel.  You should conduct three tests and average the values you find. Record your team's results in the box below, including points and observations.

Test #1 Results and Observations

	
Test #2 Results and Observations

	
Test #3 Results and Observations

	
Average Results

	

 Re-engineering
If time allows, you may redesign your car if you determine that alterations might improve performance.

      Wind Tunnel Testing

Student Worksheet: Evaluation 

 Reflection
1. What distance did your car move when the wind tunnel was on?  How did this relate to the distances of the other model cars in your classroom?

2. What do you think was the aspect of the design of the car that moved the least that made it the most successful?

3. Do you think that engineers have to adapt their original plans during the manufacturing process?  Why might they?

4. If you had to do it all over again, how would your planned design change?  Why?

      Wind Tunnel Testing

Student Worksheet: Evaluation (continued)

5.  What designs or methods did you see other teams try that you thought worked well?

6.  Did you find that there were many designs in your classroom that met the project goal?  What does this tell you about engineering plans?

7.  Do you think you would have been able to complete this project easier if you were working alone?  Explain how teamwork impacted this project.

8. How many products can you think of that would benefit from wind tunnel testing?