Thursday, May 29, 2008

class response blog


Why and how do kites fly? this is a popular question asked by people that don't know much about kites. I will answer that ever so popular question. Kites fly because of weight, drag, wind speed, wind direction and air pressure. When a kite is heavier then air it relies on a rounded surface on the kite that deflects the airflow to create different air pressures. Also, when the wind is moving faster towards the kite the air pressure decreases and creates lift. When the wind is going slow it creates an increased air pressure which decreases lift. Another huge factor of kites flying is drag. Drag is really determined on the design and the set of the bridle line of the kite, and is when gravity pulls down of the kite. One shouldn't have too much drag though, the kite should have more lift then drag to be able to fly well. But, the kite should have drag to gain stability. So basically a perfect kite needs an unbalanced 60:40 ratio of lift to drag. Overall, a kite flys because of weight, drag, wind speed, wind direction, and that ever so important air pressure!

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