Hovercraft

INTRODUCTION: What is a hovercraft? A hovercraft is vehicle that hovers using air. For the hovercraft to work, a platform with a skirt around it is needed. There is also a need of a source of air to push down hard (leaf blower) and that's about it. The scientific principle is air pushing down on an even surface with an equal force to make your platform hover, hence the name "Hovercraft".

MATERIALS:

* Battery-powered or gas leaf blower or shop vacuum that can be set to blow

* Plywood

* Heavy plastic sheet

* Small plastic disc

* Fastening hardware (bolts, nuts, screws, etc.)

* Woodworking tools

* Chair

* Clamps or fasteners to attach chair to plywood

* duct tape

* Foam pipe insulation

* Smooth floor to ride to hovercraft

All of these materials are needed to form a good hovercraft. But most important is the safety procedures so you can be safe.

SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLE: The hovercraft is a vehicle that works off of an air-cushion. It uses side skirts to trap air in the plenum chamber. All of Newton’s laws apply to the hovercraft. The 1st law applies when the hovercraft is at rest. It stays resting and will tend to stay at rest. 2nd law applies because the force of the air blower acts upon the mass causing acceleration. 3rd law applies when the air is forcing upon the surface and the hovercraft because the air pushes with the same force but in opposite directions.

SAFETY PROCEDURES:

* Familiarize yourself with the safe operating instruction for all of the machines you plan to use, including the leaf blower or vacuum, and the electric tools such as saws or drills.

* A construction project involves the use of sharp objects. Wear proper eye safety goggles and handle all sharp objects carefully.

* Operate your completed project with the permission of your teacher and in accordance with school guidelines.