Tumblewing Walkalong Glider Mass Versus Speed Experiment

Abstract: Tumblewings of various mass were constructed and flown. The flying time of each was measured over a fixed distance to establish the relationship between tumblewing mass and flying speed. When the heaviest tumblewing encountered difficulty when flown using a smaller lexan paddle a larger cardboard paddle was used. Not only was the larger paddle successful at flying the heavy tumblewing but also provided an unexpected result in that tumblewings fly slower with a larger paddle.

Relative size of Small Lexan and larger cardboard paddles. At lower right is a 1 foot ruler.

Data: Tissue 0.4 gram light paper 1.1 gram standard paper 1.3 gram heavier paper 3.1 gram heavy stock 33 foot indoor course layout

Return to tumblewing designs page Copyright Phil Rossoni January 14th 2008