Aileron Roll

Completing this Extra Credit activity correctly, will boost your lowest grade for the term by 30 points!
(EXAMPLE: A 60 would become a 90)
This activity is due before the end of the current term.

DIRECTIONS:   You can choose to do this activity on-line or you may print a copy of the worksheet and fill it out by hand.  Open the link below, study the labeled diagram and read the explanation of Aileron Roll.  Read each of the questions and type your answers in the spaces provided.  You may have to search a little to find the answers.  When finished answering all the questions, click on the "Submit Answers" button at the bottom of the page.  A screen should appear that confirms it has been sent successfully, if not, you should print this worksheet and hand it in .

If you would rather print a copy of the worksheet and fill it out by hand, click on the "Worksheet Plane" to the left.

 

 

Open this link: Aileron Roll . Study the diagram and read the explanation.

After you have read the Web page about Aileron Roll, make a paper airplane. Click on How to make a paper model jet for directions or fold an airplane of your own design. Then:

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  1. Cut two 1/4" ( 6 mm) slits about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of each wing and then fold these areas down. The tabs you have just made are called:

  2. Looking at your paper airplane from the front, fold the right tab down and the left tab up, so that it resembles the diagram on the Aileron Roll Web page.  What motion do you predict will result when you fly your airplane?

  3. Fly your paper airplane. Was the motion the same as your prediction in the question above? If not, describe how it differed.

  4. The paper airplane should have rolled counterclockwise around its center of gravity if viewed from the front. Where is its center of gravity in terms of the length of the airplane?

  5. Now bend the left tab flat and bend the right flap up. Predict the motion you will see when you fly the paper airplane:

  6. Fly the plane again. Was your prediction correct? If not, describe how it differed.


  7. Is more lift generated on the wing when the tab is bent?


  8. Bend the tabs on both wings up and fly your paper airplane. Explain what happened.


  9. In what situation would a pilot want to use the ailerons to roll the plane?


  10. Where are the ailerons located on a commercial jet?


  11. If the ailerons were used during landing to decrease lift, which way would they be deflected?