Jump to main content
Science Projects

Aerodynamics and Bridge Design

1
2
3
4
5
1,239 reviews

Summary

Areas of Science
Aerodynamics & Hydrodynamics
Difficulty
 
Time Required
Very Long (1+ months)
Credits
*Note: For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

Abstract

Research the famous collapse of the Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge. What lessons were learned about the potentially damaging effects of wind on bridges? What structures stabilize a bridge against wind forces? Build models and use a wind tunnel to test your hypothesis.

Bibliography

Do background research on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse. Here are some references to get you started:

icon scientific method

Ask an Expert

Do you have specific questions about your science project? Our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.
Post a Question

Global Connections

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
This project explores topics key to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Careers

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

Transportation Engineer
Log in to add favorite
Career Profile
Have you ever visited family members for the holidays? You might have started your trip by taking the subway or a train to the airport. Then you jumped on a plane and flew to your destination. Finally, a family member picked you up in his or her car and drove you home. You traveled hundreds of miles in just one day. How did this happen? Who planned the subway route to the airport? Who decided the position of the airport runway? Who designed the highways and roadways? The answer to all of these… Read more
Civil Engineers
Log in to add favorite
Career Profile
If you turned on a faucet, used a bathroom, or visited a public space (like a road, a building, or a bridge) today, then you've used or visited a project that civil engineers helped to design and build. Civil engineers work to improve travel and commerce, provide people with safe drinking water and sanitation, and protect communities from earthquakes and floods. This important and ancient work is combined with a desire to make structures that are as beautiful and environmentally sound, as they… Read more
Architect
Log in to add favorite
Career Profile
The essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson called Greek architecture the "flowering of geometry." Architects blend art and science, designing structures for people, such as houses, apartments, schools, stores, malls, offices, places of worship, museums, sports stadiums, music theaters, and convention centers. Their designs must take into account not only the structure's appearance, but its safety, function, environmental impact, and cost. Architects often participate in all phases of design,… Read more
Civil Engineering Technician
Log in to add favorite
Career Profile
Do you dream of building big? Civil engineering technicians help build some of the largest structures in the world—from buildings, bridges, and dams to highways, airfields, and wastewater treatment facilities. Many of these construction projects are "public works," meaning they strengthen and benefit a community, state, or the nation. Read more

News Feed on This Topic

 
, ,

Cite This Page

General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Aerodynamics and Bridge Design." Science Buddies, 9 Aug. 2023, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p030/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/aerodynamics-and-bridge-design. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2023, August 9). Aerodynamics and Bridge Design. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p030/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/aerodynamics-and-bridge-design


Last edit date: 2023-08-09

Explore Our Science Videos

Strawberry DNA Extraction
Strawberry DNA Extraction
Delayed Release Pill Challenge
Delayed Release Pill Challenge
Infinity Mirrors Video
Infinity Mirrors Video
Quick Links X
Top
Free science fair projects.