Aircraft Trim Design Challange

Definitions

• Define Problem - Read through the procedure and define the constraints and goals of the project.
• Generate Concepts - Research, brainstorm solutions, consider additional design goals, apply STEM principles, and select approach.
• Develop a Solution - select an idea from the concepts and improve upon it.
• Construct and Test Prototype - start building/making a prototype of the design you selected and improved upon from "Develop a Solution."
• Evaluate Solution - analyze your solution, how it functions and what may need to be improved, etc.
• Present Solution - present your final design, 100% completed and functioning.
• Define Problem- We read through the procedure and defined the constraints of the problem, as well as the goals for the problem.

Generate Concepts

We began by brainstorming ideas that were within the boundaries of the constraints and that would potentially work for our goals.

Develop a Solution

I chose the solution that I thought would be the best fit for the outlined constraints and goals of the project. I decided on a simplistic and smooth design for the plane.

Construct and Test Prototype

I began to fold and test different kinds of planes. I decided on the stereotypical paper airplane, as it provided the best results.

Evaluate Solution

The airplane performed 1 test correctly. I could not figure out how to get the airplane to turn around a 90 degree turn or to go under and then over something, but it flew the distance just fine.

Conclusions

a. If you were to coach another student what advice would you share with the student who is struggling to complete a challenge?

• I would tell the student to research ideas online that would give them a specific example of a plane that would be designed for a certain task, such as the turn or the under-over.

b. What would you describe as an important consideration to design an effective trim feature?

• How much you fold the wings matters. Because I folded them too little, the airplane didn't turn. When I folded them too much and it tumbled to the ground. Also, adjust the size of the bottom part, so you can fold the "tail" to turn without barreling.

c. How would you approach a similar challenge in the future to apply the design process more efficiently?

• I would make the bottom part of the plane a larger size, so I could make it turn easier. I would also attempt to insert a tail on the upper side of the plane.