Drone - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
RC PLANE
The basic principles of why and how planes fly apply to all planes, from
the Wright Brothers' first machine Wright Flyer to a modern Stealth
Bomber. Those principles are the same for radio control and full size
airplanes alike.
Although the true physics of flying airplanes are quite complex, the
whole subject can be simplified a bit - enough for us to get a
fundamental understanding of what makes a plane fly, at least.
Grade Level - (9th - 10th)
Objectives :
1. To introduce students to the basic principles of aerodynamics and
remote-controlled technology.
2. To help students understand the components and operation of an
RC plane.
3. To encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Pre Requisites -
Physics : -
1. Aerodynamics - Students should have a basic understanding of key
aerodynamic principles, including lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
2. Bernoulli's Principle - Basic understanding of Bernoulli's Principle.
3. Newton's Laws of Motion - Newton's three laws of motion can help
students understand how forces act on an RC plane.
4. Torque and Rotation - Understanding the principles of torque and
rotation can be helpful.
5. Center of Gravity (CG) and Center of Pressure (CP): Students
should grasp the concepts of center of Gravity and Centre of Pressure
for a better flight.
Mathematics : -
1. Geometry: A solid foundation in geometry is important for
understanding spatial relationships and angles, which are crucial for
controlling the RC plane.
2. Measurement and Units: Proficiency in measuring distances, angles,
and speeds is essential. Students should be comfortable working with
units like meters, degrees, and meters per second (m/s).
3. Trigonometry: Understanding basic trigonometric functions, such as
sine, cosine, and tangent, can help students calculate angles and
distances during flight.
4. Algebra: Basic algebraic skills are needed for solving equations related
to RC plane performance, such as calculating speed.
What is Air?
Air is a physical substance which has weight. It has molecules which are
constantly moving. Air pressure is created by the molecules moving
around. Moving air has a force that will lift kites and balloons up and
down. Air is a mixture of different gases; oxygen, carbon dioxide and
nitrogen. All things that fly need air. Air has power to push and pull on
the birds, balloons, kites and planes.
Aeronautics
Aeronautics is the study of the science of flight. Aeronautics is the
method of designing an airplane or other flying machine. There are four
basic areas that aeronautical engineers must understand in order to be
able to design planes. To design a plane, engineers must understand all
of these elements.
Process
1. Aerodynamics. is the study of how air flows around the airplane.
By studying the way air flows around the plane the engineers can
define the shape of the plane. The wings, the tail, and the main
body or fuselage of the plane all affect the way the air will move
around the plane.
2. Propulsion. is the study of how to design an engine that will
provide the thrust that is needed for a plane to take off and fly
through the air. The engine provides the power for the airplane.
The study of propulsion is what leads the the engineers determine
the right kind of engine and the right amount of power that a plane
will need
3. Materials and Structures. is the study of what materials are to be
used on the plane and in the engine and how those materials make
the plane strong enough to fly effectively. The choice of materials
that are used to make the fuselage wings, tail and engine will affect
the strength and stability of the plane. Many airplane materials are
now made out of composites, materials that are stronger than most
metals and are lightweight.
4. Stability and Control. is the study of how to control the speed,
direction, altitude and other conditions that affect how a plane
flies.
How Wings Lift the Plane
Airplane wings are shaped to make air move faster over the top of the
wing because when air moves faster, the pressure of the air decreases. So
the pressure on the top of the wing is less than the pressure on the
bottom of the wing. The difference in pressure creates a force on the
wing that lifts the wing up into the air.
Laws of Motion
1. First Law of Motion - If an object is not moving, it will not start
moving by itself. If an object is moving, it will not stop or change
direction unless something pushes it. So if the Plane is on rest it
will remain on rest
2. Second Law of Motion - Planes will move farther and faster when
they are pushed harder through propulsion, on every acceleration
planes will attain a second law of motion as they experienced an
external force.
3. Third Law of Motion - When a Plane is pushed in one direction, there
is always a resistance of the same amount that reacts in the opposite
direction.
Forces Applied on the Plane
1. Lift - A force which helps wings of the plane to fly upwards by
increasing the air speed which results in lower air pressure above
the rocket.
2. Gravitational - A downward force applied on the plane due to its
weight which pulls down the plane towards the earth surface.
3. Thrust - Thrust is the mechanical force generated by the engines
to move aircraft in the air.
4. Drag - It is a mechanical force experienced by the plane due to air
resistance.
How to detect location of a plane
1. Radar Tracking: Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) is a primary
method for tracking aircraft. It works based on the principles of
electromagnetic waves. A radar system sends out radio waves, which
bounce off the aircraft and return to the radar receiver. The time it takes
for the signal to return can be used to calculate the aircraft's distance
(range).
By tracking the angle at which the radar antenna is pointed when the
signal returns, you can determine the aircraft's direction.
2. Speed and Velocity: The speed and velocity of an aircraft can be
calculated using physics. Speed is the magnitude of the velocity vector,
and velocity includes both the speed and direction of motion.
To determine an aircraft's velocity, you need to track its position over
time. This is often done using GPS or radar data.
3. Acceleration: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. By
measuring an aircraft's velocity at two different points in time, you can
calculate its acceleration, which can be useful for tracking and
predicting its future path.
4. Navigation and GPS: Aircraft use GPS (Global Positioning System)
for accurate positioning. GPS satellites provide signals that allow
aircraft to determine their latitude, longitude, altitude, and speed .
5.
