This week we focused on getting quantitative data. Over the term we have evolved our prototype. This resulted in having four versions. We wanted to test each one to see if our final design is really the best. To start we collected glide ratios for each prototype. We were surprised to see that one of our early prototypes glided better and further than our current prototype. The early prototype glided 15 feet while the current prototype glided only 9 feet.
Because of this finding we decided we wanted to test each with a line attached. Just because a kite glides well does not mean it has good control in the air. through this test we found that our current prototype offers more control in the air. We believe this is due to its dihedral shape. The other prototype is flat and had no way of correcting itself when it got off balance. The dihedral shape offered more lateral stability.
Taking both tests into account we decided that the current prototype is in fact the better of the two prototypes in question. Though it is important that the kite can glide, in the teams opinion it is more important to have good control of the kite. The current prototype has great control and can glide a decent distance.
Our final prototype is assembled and ready for presentation. Moving forward, we will work on putting together the final report and presentation. We will also practice demonstrating flying the kite so we are prepared for the final presentation.
Because of this finding we decided we wanted to test each with a line attached. Just because a kite glides well does not mean it has good control in the air. through this test we found that our current prototype offers more control in the air. We believe this is due to its dihedral shape. The other prototype is flat and had no way of correcting itself when it got off balance. The dihedral shape offered more lateral stability.
Taking both tests into account we decided that the current prototype is in fact the better of the two prototypes in question. Though it is important that the kite can glide, in the teams opinion it is more important to have good control of the kite. The current prototype has great control and can glide a decent distance.
Our final prototype is assembled and ready for presentation. Moving forward, we will work on putting together the final report and presentation. We will also practice demonstrating flying the kite so we are prepared for the final presentation.
Comments
Post a Comment