Up, Up, and Away

Overview

Objectives/Goals The goal of my project was to test what pitch of a helicopter's blade will provide the most lift. Methods/Materials I made four helicopter blades with identical shape and size, but different pitches (5, 20, 35, and 50). All blades are to be mounted on a motor. The motor and blades were placed on an envelope scale and weighed. I then turned on the motor and observed the new weight. The difference between the two numbers is how many ounces the particular unit can lift. I tested each pitch three times. Results My results from greatest to least lift were as follows: 20 degrees lifted 9.1 ounces, 35 degrees lifted 7.2 ounces, 5 degrees lifted 6.7 ounces, and 50 degrees lifted 5 ounces. Conclusions/Discussion My hypothesis was proven correct by my results. After testing, I communicated with some helicopter manufacturers and they confirmed my results by stating that my findings were just as they would have expected. Experiments such as mine have helped helicopter aviation reach goals of lifting astonishing weights. Helicopters that can lift great weights are used in forest fire fighting, army transportation, and many other ways.

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics · Entry J0104

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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