Expert: Mark Janus - 5/26/2006

Question
Hi

I need to submit an investigatory project on any topic related to physics in school. I am in grad e 12 and have over a month to do research on it.
        I have sound knowledge regarding aviation and its aspects and hence would like you to recommend some projects or some problem in this field towards which i can work.

You will of great help

Regards
Divyam Nagpal

Answer
Why don't you study the flow physics of an autorotating flat plate?  Simple to construct (just a flat piece of stiff paper or card stock)...  Different aspect ratios (span^2/planform area) yield different rotation rates.  Also, varying the launching angle can lead to rotation in the opposite direction. If you have access to a video camera, you could film and analyze further things such as rotation rate and such...  Look it up on the internet....

Just a suggestion....
mj