Aerodynamics
Vlado
Aerodynamics of an object:in try of reducing air drag with simulating different versions and simulations of a virtual object in air tunnel; improving it's aerodynamics - in purpose of enabling faster traveling but again trying to keep it safe. Air tunnel simulation basically - how would an object react depending on the material used and its shape/structure? How much does air affect its possible movement? And the direction of the 'blowing' and the movement of the object affects the simulation result. The idea started watching F1 'cars' - which try to use lighter materials so the weight doesn't affect speed, but also to improve very crucial factor - the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Must point out that this model would be based on the physics principles-so its that is the science side of it.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerodynamics - Wikipedia tells it all about the aerodynamics, one should know. Some ideas about modeling could be obtained.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_tunnel - At the lower part of the site - it talks about visualizing the results and the whole simulation of the wind tunnel. Interesting.
- http://www.archiseek.com/content/showthread.php?t=5481 - This link provides multiple links (e.g. http://www.ansys.com/products/cfx.asp Ansys - fluid dynamics) of the software which might be used for modeling such situations described.
- I found another link - which contains some free and simple simulators of some stuff related to airplane modeling - its from NASA and it contains some guides also.
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/freesoftware_page.htm
- I have downloaded 3 software's out of the all offered - they're the simulators of different flying situations; from the engine throttle to the air flow around the wing. Might be helpful. Those are:
**EngineSim **EngineSimr **FoilSim
When the files are downloaded; after unpacking them, they contain Java based simulations, which we open in our browser.
** "Make your own Wind Tunnel"
I went through interesting links - depending on what we want to achieve this might help.
http://sln.fi.edu/flights/first/makesimple/index.html
Pros:
- Interesting and hits physics, area we want to include
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Very clearly modeling - trying to see how something will behave on a track or something
Cons:
- Might be difficult to simulate a wind tunnel
Comments:
- Potentially model paper airplanes
- Can build anything they want, very hands on engineering
- Potentially build car models (little cars)
- Real life application: Pringles chips
