Parts of a Kite
What are the spars?
Spars support the structure of many kites. The spars form the framework or skeleton of a kite.
Define Lift
Lift is the upward aerodynamic force that opposes gravity. It is generated when air pressure beneath the kite is greater than the pressure above it, allowing the kite to ascend.
Newton's First Law
An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an external/unbalanced force. In kite flight, this explains why the kite stays still until wind or the flyer’s pull sets it into motion.
What is wind range?
Wind range refers to the span of wind speeds suitable for a specific kite to fly effectively
What is the bridle?
Most kites have flying lines attached to a bridle, made from a line or a set of lines that are attached to the kite at several points. The bridle is the string system that connects your main flying line to the kite.
Define Drag
Drag is the aerodynamic resistance opposing the kite’s motion through the air. It acts in the opposite direction of lift and thrust, limiting the kite’s forward and upward movement.
Newton's Second Law
The acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied.
What wind range is generally suggested for kites to fly?
10-15mph
What is the Centre-T?
Where the vertical and horizontal spars meet in the center of most kites.
Define Thrust
Thrust is the forward force that propels an object through the air. For kites, thrust is generated by the wind’s motion and the flyer’s control of the bridle angle.
Newton's Third Law
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the kite pushes air downward, the air pushes the kite upward with equal force, creating lift.
What are the three essential elements?
Wing surface, tether, bridle
What is a keel?
A keel is a strip or fin located beneath a kite’s sail that helps stabilize its flight. It keeps the kite oriented correctly into the wind, reducing side-to-side oscillation.
Gravity
Gravity is the natural force pulling the kite downward toward the Earth. For sustained flight, the lift produced must counteract the kite’s weight due to gravity.
What is the formula for Newton's Second Law?
F=ma
Delivery, photography, advertising (Other answers could work)
What is the tether?
The tether is the kite string
What aerodynamic forces act positively on the kite?
Lift, Thrust
Bernoulli's Principle
The fast-moving air above the wing exerts less pressure than the slow-moving air below the wing. The imbalance in pressure results in lift.
What is the wing surface of a kite?
The wing surface refers to the area of the kite that interacts directly with the wind.