Problem 1.2.2

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to be able to understand how different trims on an aircraft affect how it flies. We can also get practice in applying the design process when working on a project.

Procedure

After touring the obstacle course, planes are designed and constructed. The first challenge is to make your plane able to fly 30 feet while being 42 inches above the ground.The second challenge was to make your plane turn left after playing 3 feet. The third challenge was to make your plane fly under a stretch of tape, then fly over a stretch of tape 3 feet away the first. The last challenge was to do challenge one again.

Engineering Design Process

Definitions

• Define Problem - Identify, Validate, and Justify the problem that needs to solved. Create a design brief.
• Generate Concepts - Research, brainstorm possible solutions, consider additional design goals, apply STEM principles, & select approach.
• Develop a Solution - Create and justify a detailed solution, create technical drawings.
• Construct and Test Prototype - Build a testable prototype and plan the test. Create a test report after testing your design.
• Evaluate Solution - Evaluate and reflect on the design. Create project recommendations and use them to optimize your solution.
• Present Solution - Document the project in a project portfolio, and present the project in a formal presentation.

Define Problem

The problem was predefined for us in the assignment worksheet, along with the restrictions and parameters.

Generate Concepts

In this part of the design process I searched the internet for paper airplane designs for distance in order to complete the first task. After researching for some time I selected a heavy tip plane design because it was easy to make and it flew far enough for the first task.

Develop a Solution

Because of the simplicity of the problem, I did not create technical drawings.

Construct and Test Prototype

I created my paper airplane in the stage. I then tested the plane on the course. The first challenge was easy to do. In order to do the second stage I ripped a rudder into the back of the plane, which allowed me to turn. The third stage was the hardest, in order to complete it I had to rip flaps into the back of the wings of my plane. The fourth stage required me to make winglets on the end of my plane to make it fly farther.

Evaluate Solution

Reflected on my solution, I think my solution was sufficient. I was able to complete every stage in a minimal amount of time. I would optimize my design by making the wings a bit wider so I could make the flaps for the 3rd challenge a bit easier. Other than that I think my solution was optimal.

Present Solution

Conclusions

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

When picking a plane design for the problem you should pick one for distance in order to do the first challenge. The middle 3 should be easy enough to do if you rip a rudder and flaps respectively into your plane.

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

you should consider how easy it should be to fix the feature to make the plane fly straight for the final task.

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

I would spend more time documenting my steps.