UNIT 2
UNIT 2
Lesson 2 40 mins
| Start the session with a demo of Pluto. Flying the drone will set the mood for the topics to be covered in the lesson. |
DYNAMICS OF AN AERIAL SYSTEM
| Every flying system has these forces acting on them. These forces are basic but very important in flying. Include students in discussion of the forces. |
FORCES OF FLIGHT (20 mins)
➔ Weight is the force of gravity. It acts in a downward direction—toward the center of the Earth.
➔ Lift is the force that acts at a right angle to the direction of motion through the air. Lift is created by differences in air pressure above and below the wing of airplanes. ➔ Thrust is the force that moves the flying machine in the direction of motion. Engines produce thrust with the help of propeller, jet engine or rocket.
➔ Drag is the force that acts opposite to the direction of motion. Drag tends to slow down the flying machine. It is caused by friction and difference in air pressure. ➔ Use this website for hands on experience in understanding the forces of flight. Forces of Flight
◆ Refer: The Aerodynamics of Flight
AXES OF ROTATION (20 mins)
| Use a model of airplane or Pluto drone to explain these forces. These axes will help during flying as well. Fly Pluto drone to explain the three axes and motons. |
➔ Longitudinal Axis: An axis along the lengthwise (Front – back) direction of the aircraft, usually passing through its center of gravity. The rotation of the aircraft along the longitudinal axis is called as ‘Roll’
➔ Lateral Axis: An axis that runs below the wing, from wingtip to wingtip (Left – Right) , passing through the airplane’s center of gravity. The rotation of the aircraft along the lateral axis is called as ‘Pitch’
➔ Perpendicular Axis: An axis perpendicular to the wings and body of the aircraft (Up – Down) , passing through the airplane’s center of gravity. The rotation of the aircraft along the perpendicular axis is called as ‘Yaw’