1. Theory of Flight
Forces of Flight
MS-PS2-2

2. Birds to Boeings Birds and Planes share many characteristics that allow them to fly .
Wings – same design
More surface area on top; curved
Smooth flat surface under
Assist in stability, steering, and thrust
Fuselage – same design
Aerodynamic shape
Most of mass along centerline
Hollow core infrastructure to minimize mass
Tails
Assist in stability and steering

3. Birds to Boeings - Wings
The shape of the wings allow for flight
Curved upper surface creates more surface area than under the wing.
Bernoulli’s Principle:
The faster a fluid moves over a surface, the less pressure it applies to the surface.

4. Birds to Boeings - Wings
Wing Design
Ailerons, Flaps, and Elevators

5. Birds to Boeings - Wings

6. Forces of Flight
In order for flight to be achieved, four independent forces are in effect . . .
Thrust
Drag
Lift
Weight
(Gravity)

7. Birds to Boeings - Wings
Wing Design
Ailerons, Flaps, and Elevators

8. Birds to Boeings Tail Section design – Pitch, Roll, and Yaw
Tail Section – provides stability (avoid roll action)
Rear Horizontal Stabilizer (Avoid roll action)
Rudder – Turning (without a rolling action)
Elevators – Controls aircraft Pitch and Yaw

9. Birds to Boeings
Elevators and Rudders

10. How is Flight Achieved?
 Lighter-than-air craft, such as the hot air balloon, work on a buoyancy principle (Archimedes Principle)
Heavier-than-air flight is made possible by a careful balance of four physical forces: lift, drag, weight, and thrust
(Bernoulli’s Principle)