Airfoil Analysis

UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), or drones, have become increasingly popular over the past several years. They have become more accessible to the average person where they can be used for recreational uses such as photography while companies are using drones for agriculture, deliveries, the military, and all sorts of other options! However, with increased UAVs in the sky increases the air traffic meaning the airplanes that have dominated the skies for decades will have a new obstacle to avoid. With this new threat in the sky, research is needed to be done to make sure the planes we fly today stay safe in the air and can withstand an impact from a UAV if necessary.

The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.

This Facilitator Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.

Telling the Story Video

The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.

Design Challenge Video

The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.