The Effect Of Weights On The Vibration Reduction Of A Radio-Controlled Helicopter

School Name

Spring Valley High School

Grade Level

11th Grade

Presentation Topic

Physics

Presentation Type

Non-Mentored

Abstract

Helicopters are aircraft whose rotors supply lift and thrust, to vertically land or take-off. With this attribute, helicopters have the rare ability to land and take-off in places of congestion and danger, indicating the efficiency and speed of the device. Helicopters are also prone to vibrations, caused by the main rotor of the aircraft. The device, in usual cases, experiences normal amounts of vibration during steady flight. But in cases of high speeds, rapid ascents/descents, and other maneuvers, the helicopter faces a great amount of vibration, causing harm to the aircraft and the passengers traveling. The purpose of this study was to determine if weights could reduce the amount of vibration being produced during different modes of flight. It was predicted that the weights would serve as a suppressing device, and reduce vibration by creating equilibrium. Experimentation was accomplished by performing three different flight tests, 50 trials without weights attached (control) and 50 trials with weights attached. Each flight test determined a different mode of flight, at different intensities, for a period of 60 seconds. To record data, a Vernier 3-Axis accelerometer was used. For each flight test, the accelerometer was attached to the nose and the tail, to determine and compare the different vibration levels. After conducting 50 trials for each flight test without weights and with weights, and attaching the accelerometer to the nose and tail, the collected data was analyzed using a One-way ANOVA.

Location

Owens 104

Start Date

4-16-2016 11:30 AM

COinS
 
Apr 16th, 11:30 AM

The Effect Of Weights On The Vibration Reduction Of A Radio-Controlled Helicopter

Owens 104

Helicopters are aircraft whose rotors supply lift and thrust, to vertically land or take-off. With this attribute, helicopters have the rare ability to land and take-off in places of congestion and danger, indicating the efficiency and speed of the device. Helicopters are also prone to vibrations, caused by the main rotor of the aircraft. The device, in usual cases, experiences normal amounts of vibration during steady flight. But in cases of high speeds, rapid ascents/descents, and other maneuvers, the helicopter faces a great amount of vibration, causing harm to the aircraft and the passengers traveling. The purpose of this study was to determine if weights could reduce the amount of vibration being produced during different modes of flight. It was predicted that the weights would serve as a suppressing device, and reduce vibration by creating equilibrium. Experimentation was accomplished by performing three different flight tests, 50 trials without weights attached (control) and 50 trials with weights attached. Each flight test determined a different mode of flight, at different intensities, for a period of 60 seconds. To record data, a Vernier 3-Axis accelerometer was used. For each flight test, the accelerometer was attached to the nose and the tail, to determine and compare the different vibration levels. After conducting 50 trials for each flight test without weights and with weights, and attaching the accelerometer to the nose and tail, the collected data was analyzed using a One-way ANOVA.