Rotor Questions

Results
Mass Height Time Energy Power
8.84g .13m 76 sec 11.29 .15 watts

Which rotor had the most power? Why?

We only had one rotor because it was dropped and broke and we didn't have enough time to make another. It didn't work because it short and wide rather than long and thin. Also, one blade was heavier than the others.

What was different about the design with the most output?

Our design was different from others because it was made from aluminum pop cans. Most of the other designs were cardboard. Ours was also a lot smaller than the other windmills.

What are some limitations of your design?

One limitation of our design is the weight. The windmill was very small and lightweight. One of the blades was heavier than the others too so it when it got to the bottom it would stop rotating.

Another limitation is the blade angle. The blades were not twisted so the wind just ran into the blade without turning it.

How do an airplane and a windmill use air pressure to fly and rotate?

The sail of a windmill and the blade of a windmill are a lot alike. They both use a twisted shape. This makes the air push on it and create a change in air pressure which causes the windmill to turn and the sail to carry the boat with it.

Why do you have to twist the blades on the windmill?

Twisting the blades makes the air push off it. Without twisting the blades, the wind just runs into the blade without pushing the blade.

How does a windmill rotor and a sailboat have the same principle?

They both use air pressure to move by being pushed by wind.