Theory of Flight Forces of Flight MS-PS2-2

Birds to Boeings Birds and Planes share many characteristics that allow them to fly . Wings – same design More surface area on top; curved Smooth flat surface under Assist in stability, steering, and thrust Fuselage – same design Aerodynamic shape Most of mass along centerline Hollow core infrastructure to minimize mass Tails Assist in stability and steering

Birds to Boeings - Wings The shape of the wings allow for flight Curved upper surface creates more surface area than under the wing. Bernoulli’s Principle: The faster a fluid moves over a surface, the less pressure it applies to the surface.

Birds to Boeings - Wings Wing Design Ailerons, Flaps, and Elevators

Birds to Boeings - Wings

Forces of Flight In order for flight to be achieved, four independent forces are in effect . . . Thrust Drag Lift Weight (Gravity)

Birds to Boeings - Wings Wing Design Ailerons, Flaps, and Elevators

Birds to Boeings Tail Section design – Pitch, Roll, and Yaw Tail Section – provides stability (avoid roll action) Rear Horizontal Stabilizer (Avoid roll action) Rudder – Turning (without a rolling action) Elevators – Controls aircraft Pitch and Yaw

Birds to Boeings Elevators and Rudders

How is Flight Achieved?  Lighter-than-air craft, such as the hot air balloon, work on a buoyancy principle (Archimedes Principle) Heavier-than-air flight is made possible by a careful balance of four physical forces: lift, drag, weight, and thrust (Bernoulli’s Principle)