Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What is the most critical part in a glider?

this is the interview part of my proj so plz include name, and position

plz respond im kind of running out of time to do this.....

nm i have another question....do u think adding a motor to a glider would be a bad idea and is horrible because a having no motor is the difference between an glider and an airplane???

still plz put name + position

plz respond today plz plz plz

T_T plz...... T_T

mousy125 wrote:What is the most critical part in a glider?

I hope this is not too late.

Due to the critical role that aerodynamic efficiency plays in the performance of a glider, gliders often have state of the art aerodynamic features seldom found in other aircraft. The wings of a modern racing glider have a specially designed low-drag laminar flow airfoil. After the wings' surfaces have been shaped by a mold to great accuracy, they are then highly polished. Vertical winglets at the ends of the wings are computer-designed to decrease drag and improve handling performance. Special aerodynamic seals are used at the ailerons, rudder and elevator to prevent the flow of air through control surface gaps. Turbulator devices in the form of a zig-zag tape or multiple blow holes positioned in a spanwise line along the wing are used to trip laminar flow air into turbulent flow at a desired location on the wing. This flow control prevents the formation of laminar flow bubbles and ensures the absolute minimum drag. Bug wipers may be installed to wipe the wings while in flight and remove insects that are disturbing the smooth flow of air over the wing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glider