Physics Lab B/C

[Jim_R]

Discussion for Physics Lab B/C.

[stormking]

Are you guys going to use HAWTs or VAWTs

[manutd94]

What are HAWTs and VAWTs? Do you know what this years physics lab will be like?

[wlsguy]

What are HAWTs and VAWTs? Do you know what this years physics lab will be like?

This year the theme is wind power. the event will likely be similar to the B division event last year (same test stands etc)

HAWT= Horizonal axis wind turbine VAWT= Vertical

Last year, because of the unpredictable nature of the test stands, I did not dee ant VAWT at any competition.
All were basic fan blades (of various designs).

A VAWT may have advantages and could merit futher study...

[stormking]

True, HAWTS are generally more stable, but I think a VAWT design would be interesting. Look at the Darrius ones.

[danyalukin]

Try Balsa + mylar blades....worked very well.... but difficult to build

[acanoli]

Do we know that it's going to be the same idea this year? Like, windmills? It could be something else. Physics lab isn't always the same. Anyone read the rules yet?

[Anarch]

Do we know that it's going to be the same idea this year? Like, windmills? It could be something else. Physics lab isn't always the same. Anyone read the rules yet?

Building a windmill (which is new to C this year) and a written test.

[vofbassist]

Do we know that it's going to be the same idea this year? Like, windmills? It could be something else. Physics lab isn't always the same. Anyone read the rules yet?

Building a windmill (which is new to C this year) and a written test.

While building a windmill is new to Physics Lab in division C, building windmills isn't entirely new. Last year as a trial event here in Wisconsin, there was an event known as Wind Power. In it, we would be presented with a manilla folder, a CD, a sheet of white printer paper, and a length of tape. We would be given a specific time limit to build the windmill on the event site. Then we would test it, once on high speed and once on low speed, on a device that measured the power the tests generated. The two scores would then be added together, and the team that generated the most power won.

[archon]

so could someone provide a diagram/picture of how exactly the set up for C looks like? I've only done the standard test, and the windmill thing is entirely new to me.

[Iustitia]

HAWTS are usually less reliable than VAWTS.

[vofbassist]

so could someone provide a diagram/picture of how exactly the set up for C looks like? I've only done the standard test, and the windmill thing is entirely new to me.

There will be one posted on the SO National site within the next month. I would post one, but the one posted on the National site will be built better than the one I have.

[jazzy009]

http://soinc.org/sites/default/files/up ... bSetup.pdf

Should be what they're using.

I know we can place our fan in any place in front of the powered fan, but will we have to place it a certain distance away from the fan? It seems like something like this should be a little more clear so teams don't get an advantage by putting their fans closer.

[vofbassist]

I know last year they had a set distance for Wind Power. I remember testing distances with one of our Div. B teams. You don't want it too close or too far away from the fan. I believe that the distance away was specified in the rules, but I'd have to do a better job of reading them than I did today.

Also, I hope the set up is a little better than the one in the diagram you posted, jazzy009. It's a good picture, but the bolt sticking out of the center has me a little worried about it interfering with the blades of the fan. I don't know how far it sticks out though, so it might not be a problem.

[fmtiger124]

On NY's state test last year for B I can tell you there were a TON of numbers and statistics that had exactl answers. Of course my team had none of that so we got 15th. So your binder assuming you get one again this year should have general info as well as specifics in numbers.