model hovercraft

[samsdad]

My daughter has been tasked with building a hovercraft for a science competition. We are limited to 1 1.5 - 3v motor and 2 AA batteries. We have tried several designs but have had limited success. Does anyone have any plans, diagrams or pictures that may be helpful?

[deleted-71709]

This sound really fascinating.

I have seen several designs using a balloon and an old CD disc, but haven't seen one using a couple AA batteries and a small motor.

Here is a good concept that should work, with some modifications: http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video ... ft-267590/

The idea of using foam dinnerware as the body is a great idea. It is light weight and the shape, when turned upside down, provides a nice cavity to form and air chamber. For something powered by only a pair of AA batteries, I would think you could use a small styrofoam dinner plate. Makw sure it has a smooth edge, so when it is inverted is can form a seal with the smooth surface on which it will "fly".

The example I have given you uses a commercial fan, and a much larger power source, but I think the concept could be adapted for your small motor. The idea would be to cut a hole in the plate. Perhaps you could glue a couple popsickle sticks, or something similar, to the sides of the motor to use to mount it in the hole in the plate.

Now you need a fan. A small propeller would do the job. You should be able to find something at a hobby store that would fit on the end of that small motor.

Here's another web site I found that goes about the design a bit differently, but uses the same basic concepts: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fifteen ... overcraft/.

I hope these ideas help. Good luck and have fun working with your daughter on this fun project.

Ed Neu
Buffalo, MN

[deleted-71417]

Hi,,

You can click on the The Science Buddies home tab at the top levet of the page, and enter Hovercraft design iin the search box on the right. This will return 4 search results, which will answer your question really well.

Good luck and have a great project!

Best regards,

Barrett L. Tomlinson