Summer Science - Sailboats – Forces in Motion

 

Next year’s science class is called Physical Science and includes basic Chemistry and Physics topics. Chemistry is the study of matter and reactions of matter, and Physics is the study of Forces, Energy, and Motion. Sailboats are great examples of how people use their knowledge of Energy, Forces and the Laws of Physics to move matter. A sailboat designer takes into account Forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Inertia, Friction, Fluid Dynamics, Aerodynamics, and Gravity and to produce a boat that moves through the water efficiently.

 

Your task this summer is to research sailboat designs and come up with your own idea for a model sailboat that you believe will sail effectively in the indoor tank at school. The tank is 7 meters long, 30 centimeters wide and has water that is 10 centimeters deep. A fan will provide the force to move the sailboat down the course. Once you return to school in September, you will work with a team to finalize a group design, construct a model boat, test it, and then race the boat and calculate it’s performance data. Your boat must be less than 28 cm long, 20 cm wide, and 12cm deep. The water depth will be 10 cm, so the part of your boat that is below water needs to be less than 10 cm. Your mast and sails may be any size.

 

Assignments for this Summer that will be COLLECTED and GRADED in September:

 

Step 1 – Research: You may use the internet, books, or even check out actual sail boat designs in the ocean or lake. You may make a sailboat with one hull (monohull), 2 hulls (catamaran), or 3 hulls (trimaran). Consider the options for hull shape, keels, rudders, ballast, masts, sails, and rigging, then choose a design that you think will perform well in our down-wind test tank.

 

Step 2 – Diagrams and Report:

Part 1: Create a Diagram for the design you choose. Create drawings or pictures of the design you are suggesting including the Side View of the hull and sails, Front View of the hull and sails, and

Top View of the deck and sails. (see example below)

Part 2: Write a one page Report that summarizes how you did your research, what design you selected and includes the advantages the design gives.

 

Have a Fun and Safe Summer! Sail Safe and See You in September!

 

Example Sailboat Diagrams:

Side View (Keel) Top View (Deck) Front View (Bow)