KITE HISTORY & VOCABULARY
Where was the earliest account of kite flying?
China
What is lift?
The upward force that keeps a kite flying
What is the most important part of a kite?
The sail
Name two types of kites.
Which aerodynamic force is linked to the kite tail?
Drag
What is the technical name for a kite?
tethered aerodyne
What is drag?
Air resistance acting against the kite
What is the purpose of the sail?
To catch the wind and create lift
Why did we choose a delta kite?
Or whatever kite you used?
For delta: Good wind performance and stability
What are the three essential elements of a kite?
birdle,wing surface,tether
What is an aerodyne?
A flying object that stays in the air using lift from the wind
What force pulls a kite toward Earth?
Gravity
What is the purpose of the spar?
To hold the kite's shape and resist bending
What is the angle of attack?
The angle between the kite and the wind
What minimum wind speed is generally needed to fly a kite?
At least 10 mph
What is a tether?
The kite string or line connecting the kite to the flyer
What is Bernoulli's Principle?
Fast-moving air above the kite creates lower pressure, helping lift the kite upward
What is the purpose of the tail?
To add stability and prevent spinning or crashing
What is a keel?
A piece under the kite that helps with balance and attaches the bridle
(aerolyne, direction of the wind)
How should you position a kite before launching it?
Face it into the wind
How were military and meteorological kites used?
Military kites were used for signaling and observation; meteorological kites were used to study weather and wind
Name the five key factors that keep a kite in the air.
Wind, lift, drag, gravity, and tension
What is a bridle?
The cords attached to the kite that connect to the flying line and control the kite's angle
What is the Center T?
The center support piece shaped like a "T" that holds the frame together
Name all three of Newton's Laws as they relate to kite flight.
OR
Name all three of Newton's Laws and explain how each one applies to a kite.