Week 3
This week, our supplies came in so we were able to start the prototyping phase. In just these two short hours, we learned a lot.
Pictured above is our first prototype. The frame is made from pliable wire, the actual kite is made from kite paper. It was connected using fishing line. We went by the dimensions that we planned in week 2. After testing it, we realized there were many problems with the design. First off, it was way too small and was not able to catch air to fly. It had a tendency to flutter around, instead of floating nicely, which we concluded was due to the way the weight was distributed.
We believe that making it larger will be the first step to solving this problem. However, we want to keep the same general design/shape. As you can see in the picture on the right, the wings of the butterfly are at an angle. Although we do not have enough data to prove it yet, we believe the angle is better than a flat design.
In week 4 lab, we will attempt to create a larger prototype in the same shape to see if our predictions are true. We plan on adding weight to the nose of the design in an attempt to get rid of the fluttering effect.
Pictured above is our first prototype. The frame is made from pliable wire, the actual kite is made from kite paper. It was connected using fishing line. We went by the dimensions that we planned in week 2. After testing it, we realized there were many problems with the design. First off, it was way too small and was not able to catch air to fly. It had a tendency to flutter around, instead of floating nicely, which we concluded was due to the way the weight was distributed.
We believe that making it larger will be the first step to solving this problem. However, we want to keep the same general design/shape. As you can see in the picture on the right, the wings of the butterfly are at an angle. Although we do not have enough data to prove it yet, we believe the angle is better than a flat design.
In week 4 lab, we will attempt to create a larger prototype in the same shape to see if our predictions are true. We plan on adding weight to the nose of the design in an attempt to get rid of the fluttering effect.
Comments
Post a Comment