Power for Flight
Generating Thrust
A lesson describing the forces which act on an aeroplane in flight and that a thrust force is needed to overcome drag. A simple description of Newton's Laws of Motion is provided, together with simple classroom demonstrations to illustrate them.
- Early: -
- First: -
- Second: SCN 2-04a 2-20a
- Third: SCN 3-07a, 3-20a
- Fourth: SCN 4-04b, 4-05a, 4-05b, 4-06a, 4-07a, 4-08b, 4-17a, 4-18a, 4-20a, 4-20b; TCH 4-05a, 4-07a
Thrust from Gravity
A lesson describing how thrust can be obtained without an internal combustion engine - i.e. gliding flight. Included is a demonstration exercise illustrating how vertical movement in the atmosphere can aid or impede gliding flight.
- Early: -
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-04a, 2-08b, 2-20b; TCH 2-05a, 2-06a, 2-07a
- Third: SCN 3-05b, 3-07a, 3-08a, 3-20b; TCH 3-05a, 3-06a, 3-07a
- Fourth: SCN 4-04b, 4-07a, 4-08b,, 4-18a, 4-20a, 4-20b; TCH 4-05a, 4-07a
Thrust from a Propeller
A lesson describing how thrust is generated by spinning a propeller in the air. Included is a simple classroom experiment which demonstrates the principles.
- Early: -
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-04a, 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-07a, 3-20a
- Fourth: SCN 4-07a, 4-20a, 4-20b
How to turn a Propeller
A lesson describing the various means used to turn an aeroplane's propeller, including early attempts using steam engines through internal combustion engines and considering possible electric motors in the future. Demonstration material for this topic is under construction.
- Early: -
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-20a, 2-20b; TCH 2-05a, 2-06a, 2-07a
- Third: SCN 3-05b, 3-07a, 3-20b; TCH 3-05a, 3-06a, 3-07a
- Fourth: SCN 4-04b, 4-05a, 4-05b, 4-07a, 4-17a, 4-18a, 4-20a, 4-20b; TCH 4-05a, 4-07a
Jet Engines
A lesson describing the revolution in the generation of thrust, which was caused by the general adoption of the turbine engine following the Second World War. Demonstration material is under construction.
- Early: -
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-20a, 2-20b; TCH 2-05a, 2-06a, 2-07a
- Third: SCN 3-05b, 3-07a, 3-20b; TCH 3-05a, 3-06a, 3-07a
- Fourth: SCN 4-04b, 4-05a, 4-05b, 4-07a, 4-17a, 4-18a, 4-20a, 4-20b; TCH 4-05a, 4-07a
Turboprop Engines
A lesson building on the last two and describing how a turbine engine can be used in conjunction with a propeller to obtain a useful compromise solution - the turboprop. Demonstration material is under construction.
- Early: -
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-20a, 2-20b; TCH 2-05a, 2-06a, 2-07a
- Third: SCN 3-05b, 3-07a, 3-20b; TCH 3-05a, 3-06a, 3-07a
- Fourth: SCN 4-04b, 4-05a, 4-05b, 4-07a, 4-17a, 4-18a, 4-20a, 4-20b; TCH 4-05a, 4-07a
Turbofan Engines
A lesson describing the type of engine which today powers the majority of transport aircraft - the turbofan. Demonstration material is under construction.
- Early: -
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-20a, 2-20b; TCH 2-05a, 2-06a, 2-07a
- Third: SCN 3-05b, 3-07a, 3-20b; TCH 3-05a, 3-06a, 3-07a
- Fourth: SCN 4-04b, 4-05a, 4-05b, 4-07a, 4-17a, 4-18a, 4-20a, 4-20b; TCH 4-05a, 4-07a
Rocket Engines
A lesson the use of engines which do not require atmospheric oxygen to generate their power and so are particularly suited to space travel. Demonstration material is still under construction.
- Early: -
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-20a, 2-20b; TCH 2-05a, 2-06a, 2-07a
- Third: SCN 3-05b, 3-07a, 3-20b; TCH 3-05a, 3-06a, 3-07a
- Fourth: SCN 4-04b, 4-05a, 4-05b, 4-07a, 4-17a, 4-18a, 4-20a, 4-20b; TCH 4-05a, 4-07a