Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello I am an 8th grader and I am doing a experiment relatively like the one found on this site called Winglets in Wind Tunnels. I just had a few questions about aerodynamics and airfoils and would love if you could answer them.
1. What are the forces acting on an airfoil in a wind tunnel?

2. How will the addition of winglets affect these forces.

3. How will the addition of winglets affect flight performance?

4. Why does a wing tip vortex decrease fuel efficiency and may even flip a plane?

5. What are the different shapes of wings?

6. What are the different shapes of winglets?

7. Does wind speed affect aerodynamics? If so please explain.

8. Does the angle at which the wings are placed have an impact on lift drag ratios?

9. Does mist decrease or increase the aerodynamics of an object? Please explain.

10. How does Bernoulli's theory tie in to aerodynamics and airfoils?

Thank You. Please respond to these questions as soon as you can.

The real importance, and fun, of running a science project is to ask questions and then experiment to find the answers.

You have asked some great questions. Now it's time for you to run your experiments and answer these questions yourself.

After you run your experiment, if you have problems answering one of more of these great questions, then contact us here at Science Buddies again, and we'll help you find the answers.

Have fun!