Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am currently working on a hovercraft project with my friend for a science fair.
This has been working fine until i got to the amount weight it will be able to carry.
So far iv'e got Radiata Pine Non Structural Value Ply Length: 2000 mm, Width: 1000 mm, Thick: 7 mm, Radiata Pine Non Structural Value Ply Length: 400 mm, Width: 200 mm, Thick: 7 mm and 1.3 wide x 2.3 long marine grade Vinyl.
My lift power is one 320 kph/199 mph fuel powered leaf blower, and, a drive power of up to four 18V DeWalt battery powered blowers with battery's ranging from 18V-54V
with that amount of power minus the weight of the mentioned things and a few screws about how many people should it be able to carry as we have only one trial day available at the location were trying it at
we will be trying it with 7 boys, 4 are 30-50 kg, 3 are 45-80 kg/66-110 pound and 99-176 pound


Thanks

also if some people have name ideas it would be great

Hi huntleigh,

Can you post a photo or design diagram of your hovercraft? I have a general idea of your project, but that would allow us to help you better.

You may have to experiment incrementally, as some factors may reduce the lift power in practice. I would recommend starting at a low power setting and a low load.

Best,
Charles

Hello Huntleigh,

Please keep all posts on this topic together so the expert(s) who have been helping you see your follow-up questions. As another moderator noted, the experts here are all volunteers, so it is helpful if you can make it easier for them to follow your project.

I have merged these posts with your posts in Grades 9-12: Physical Sciences.

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=20355

That topic has the most recent responses, so please use that topic for any further questions. Thank you.