Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

In the experiment called "riding on air-build a real hovercraft" why is it better to use a thick material for the skirt rather than using a thin one like a garbage bag?,also to put it in another why what is the science behind using a thick material for the skirt than using a thin material for the skirt?

I can't think of any reason a thicker material is better than a thinner one other than that it would be more durable.

I you are watching the video on the project idea page (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p036.shtml) don't be confused by the material on the two hovercrafts they made. They were varying the size of the skirt and just happened to choose to use a thicker material on the second hovercraft because their two layer idea did not work out.

Dear Kareena,
I was looking at the science buddies for this experiment and I feel that by using the thicker material you will keep the air pressure higher for a longer amount of time as long as the skirt is not too tight and that will make the aircraft go higher than if you used a thinner material. Good luck with your fun experiment!

Take car'
jay

dear kareena,
just 2 weeks ago i built a hovercraft of my own, i used a garbage bag and it didn't work because the garbage bag stretched.
for a thicker material i would recommend either a used shower curtain or a tarp. Another idea would be either a motorcycle inner tube or a car tire inner tube.

have fun