Streamlined Science Dylan Lepp and Michael Ozdoba Moscrop Secondary Floor Location : J 68 P

This project is based on finding the most aerodynamic shape. The objective was to test 5 different shapes in a specially designed wind tunnel for the amount of drag they create. The further back the shapes move in the tunnel will determine how aerodynamic they are. The project hypothesis was that the teardrop shape would create the least amount of drag.

Five polystyrene (Styrofoam) shapes were tested in the wind tunnel. During the testing process, the polystyrene shapes were first positioned inside the wind tunnel, hooked into place by the rubber bands, and the electric powered fan was started. The wedge, cube and cone shapes, with the flat surfaces facing the electric powered fan, were shaking and unstable. Having the teardrop and sphere shape's rounded frontal area exposed to the wind stream created a very minuscule amount of trembling.

During the experiment there were difficult moments when the Styrofoam shapes were shaking uncontrollably. This problem was fixed with the addition of aluminium stabilizing rods. One was inserted through the front, centre of each object and out the back and also was run through two hooked rods that were secured to the base of the wooden panel. This made the shapes more stable so they could be measured more accurately. Also, during testing, one of the elastics came untied and had to be replaced. Testing had to be redone on all shapes. These obstacles were overcome and testing was completed.

The teardrop shape produced the least amount of drag, creating an average of 2.7 mm displacement. The sphere was second and created an average of 9 mm displacement. The cube came out in the middle with an average of 23.3 mm displacement. In fourth place was the cone with an average of 30 mm displacement. Finally, the wedge created the most drag with an average of 31 mm displacement. Each shape was tested to a total of three times.

The question "What shape creates the least drag?" was answered. The results supported the hypothesis and met the opening objective. In conclusion the teardrop shape created the least amount of drag and claimed the title of the most aerodynamic shape!