An Inexpensive Apparatus for Classroom Visualization of the Lift on Airplane Wings

Abstract

“How does an aircraft fly?” is one of the most frequently asked science questions by young pupils. The lift on airplane wings also makes a great example of the application of the Bernoulli principle while teaching fluid mechanics in introductory physics and engineering courses. The topic is of great interest and is therefore covered in most college and many high school science classes. A demonstration to visualize lift will enhance teaching, but such designs cannot be found in literature or textbooks yet, to the best of our knowledge. In scientific research and engineering development the visualization of air flow is conventionally fulfilled using a smoke tunnel. The approach for measurements of the pressure (and therefore lift force) employs strain gauges, load cells, and distributed electronic and fiber optic sensors. For classroom demonstrations and student learning, these pressure measuring mechanisms and smoke tunnels are too complicated and expensive. Such demonstrations are therefore rarely carried out in class, especially in high schools. We designed an apparatus that is simple and inexpensive but can adequately demonstrate the concepts.