Hovercraft also known as an air-cushion vehicle or ACV,- a craft capable of traveling over land, water, mud or ice and other surfaces. They operate by creating a cushion of high-pressure air between the hull of the vessel and the surface below. Typically this cushion is contained within a flexible “skirt”. They hover at heights between 200 mm (7.9 in) and 600 mm (24 in) above any surface and operate above 20 knots (23 mph) and can clear gradients up to 20 degrees.
What’s the problem?
Build a Hovercraft (video 4:34) – build a hovercraft you can ride using just plywood, a lawn chair and a shower curtain. Power is provided by a leaf blower
- Ask
- Imagine – When objects rub against each other, they produce friction, a force that resists motion and slows down moving objects.
- Plan, Create – The air flow produces a cushion of air under the hovercraft. This layer of air takes up space and lifts up the hovercraft. Now, the hovercraft does contact the surface.. Thanks to the layer of air, there is hardly any friction, and your hovercraft glides along without being slowed down.
- Improve
Engineering ideas
- lift, pressure, air-flow, thrust, rudders, directional control, annular vent, suspension, amphibious, thrust. propulsion, impeller, ducting
Do It
Challenges for you to work on…
- Build a Hovercraft you can ride on.
- Build a Hovercraft – The air flowing through the straw produces a cushion of air under the hovercraft.
engineering 4 kids 