Physical Science Lab

[eagleeye412]

Me and my partner are so confused and visited every site and still can't figure it out. What do you do. Do you put the blades on a C.D. and take the C.D., or do you Make the blades and then attach them to a C.D. there? We are so confused and really need some help. We have our materials and all but we are getting mad!!!!!

[ichaelm]

Me and my partner are so confused and visited every site and still can't figure it out. What do you do. Do you put the blades on a C.D. and take the C.D., or do you Make the blades and then attach them to a C.D. there? We are so confused and really need some help. We have our materials and all but we are getting mad!!!!!

Step 1: Get a CD
Step 2: Attach stuff to it (I use lightweight tape for attaching. Glue seems to not work so well on CDs. Also, duct tape isn't lightweight.)

You have to provide your own CD. It should be part of your impounded final product. You do not need to provide the mount for the CD or the fan. However, you should have them for testing. The best/only way to find out what works is with trial and error.

Here's how to make the CD mount: http://soinc.org/sites/default/files/up ... bSetup.pdf

[haven chuck]

Yeah, you glue/tape/attach the blades tha you have made PERMANANTLY to the CD, which you can cut and alter however you want as long as it is 30 cm in diameter and fits on the mount. At the competition, you will impund your CD WITH the blades attached, and then just test it at the actual event.

[eagleeye412]

thank you both for your help. We can finnaly start now!!!

One more thing though. Did anyone have to shape their wings to catch a good current or did you just make a flat wing. If so how did you shape it?

[eagleeye412]

What would be a good voltage to get? We believe ours is good but just to be sure we were wondering what an average and good voltage would be?

[Loser]

How in the world does one do this! I need help.

[ichaelm]

What would be a good voltage to get? We believe ours is good but just to be sure we were wondering what an average and good voltage would be?

Depends on your fan's airspeed. As for an average voltage as a function of airspeed, I don't know. Usually I just assume that we're below average, so that we have to do a whole lot better than we're doing, for lack of a real standard.

How in the world does one do this! I need help.

1. http://soinc.org/sites/default/files/up ... bSetup.pdf
2. Attach stuff to CDs and find out what works through trial and error.

But seriously, Loser, why are so many people like you asking their rivals to help them with their research on obscure forums with people they don't know? I didn't take me long to find out that the only way to do this event (or any event) is to TRY. I found that link on Google. But that's the end of the internet's helpfulness on this topic. You aren't going to find any sort of online instruction manual on building a windmill out of a CD. Put in the time. Think! "How do I get this CD to turn?" You might find that there are some good ideas in that gray, squishy organ that tops your spinal cord. Your designs can probably be just as good as mine. You can't count on your friends (or total strangers) to do your homework for you.

</rant>

[haven chuck]

Yeah, i completely agree. This event is all about concept, so nobody is just going to give you their idea that they came up with. If you have an idea and want clarifying or advice on something, then ask, but don't just hope somebody is going to give you specs for a design that they spend a while perfecting. Also, in a new event like this, nobody starts with an advantage, so you know just as much as everyone else. (onece you have read the rules and looked at soinc.org.

[iYOA]

same.

but if you really want a good idea for a CD assembly, JUST LOOK AT ACTUAL WIND TURBINES, but make sure that each blade is exactly 120 degrees appart.

Actually, never mind. the amount of blades varies depending on weather you want low or high velocity winds which is why it is a bit hard.

[fleet130]

What would be a good voltage to get?

This depends, to a great extent, on the generator, fan and voltmeter used to measure the voltage, all of which are supplied by the event supervisor at the tournament. Try building to get the highest voltage you can. Don't be surprised if you see different results at the tournament.