Session-14_The_Science_behind_flight.pptx

The Science Behind Flight

"Aeronautics was neither an industry nor a science. It was a miracle."

— Igor Sikorsky

Igor Sikorsky, a pioneering aviation engineer and inventor of the first successful helicopter, highlights the awe-inspiring nature of flight in this quote. While today we understand the science of flight through aerodynamics—lift, thrust, drag, and weight—Sikorsky reminds us that the ability to fly still feels like a miracle of human achievement.

In the context of aerodynamics, the quote celebrates how mastering invisible forces like air pressure, flow dynamics, and wing shapes allowed humans to transform dreams of flight into precise science and technology. It's a tribute to both the science and the wonder of flight.

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Introduction

Flight is one of the most fascinating uses of aerodynamics. To understand how things fly—like birds, airplanes, and drones—we need to learn about the invisible but powerful forces acting in the air. This lesson explores how flight happens by studying the forces involved and how wings and shapes make it possible.

Prerequisite Knowledge

• Basic idea of motion and force.
• Awareness of flying animals or machines like birds, airplanes, and drones.
• Familiarity with everyday air resistance or wind.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and explain the four forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag.
• Understand how wing shape affects lift using Bernoulli’s principle.
• Learn about streamlining and how it reduces drag.
• Observe how air resistance can be changed by design and shape.

Tools & Materials Required

• Chart papers with airfoil shapes
• Paper planes (varied wing shapes)
• Balloons with nozzles
• Whiteboard and projector
• Images of wings, birds, drones, and aircrafts

Content

Flying is possible because of four key forces: Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag. These forces act in pairs: lift must overcome weight, and thrust must overcome drag.

• Lift: Created by wing shape. The air above the wing moves faster, creating lower pressure. This pressure difference pushes the wing upward.
• Weight: The pull of gravity on the object.
• Thrust: The forward force from engines or flapping wings.
• Drag: The air resistance pushing against motion.

Wings are specially shaped like an airfoil—curved at the top and flat at the bottom. This makes air move faster on top and slower below, creating lift.

Different wings serve different purposes:

• Long and Narrow (like gliders): Help with more lift and less drag.
• Short and Curved (like fighter jets): Allow more control and agility.
• Adjustable Wings (like helicopters): Adaptable for different movements.

Streamlining is important too. A smooth, narrow front and tapered end reduce drag, helping aircraft save energy and move efficiently.

Thrust is generated by engines—propellers for small planes, jet engines for airliners, and rockets for spacecraft.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Imagine a bird flying. What helps it stay in air? Let’s break it down.

1.Lift vs Weight: Lift pushes up, weight pulls down. If lift is greater, the bird rises.

2.Thrust vs Drag: Flapping wings create thrust. Drag is the air pushing back. With more          thrust, it moves forward.

3.Let’s build paper planes with different wings. Throw them and see which flies farther.

4.Try holding a balloon and releasing it. It zooms ahead — that's thrust from air inside.

5.Use a chart to draw the four forces on a flying plane.

6.Observe bird wings: gliding birds have long wings; diving birds tuck in to reduce drag.

Flying is about balance and design — when all four forces work together smartly, flight happens smoothly.

Activity: Build Your Flyer

• Give each student a paper sheet to make paper planes of different wing shapes.
• Let them throw and observe which flies best and why.
• Discuss how wing shape affects the distance and flight path.

Outcome

• Students will understand the four forces of flight.
• They will see how wing shapes affect lift.
• They will observe how drag and thrust work through activities.
• They will learn the role of streamlining in improving flight.