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Discussion for Physics Lab B/C.

Are you guys going to use HAWTs or VAWTs

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

manutd94 wrote: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...

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

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

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?

acanoli wrote: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.

Anarch wrote:

acanoli wrote: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.

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.