The Flying Propeller
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.. image:: Images/TheFlyingPropeller.jpg
   :align: center
  
Description
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The flying propeller is simple project that is made up of a DC motor fixed upwards on a holder and having a toy circular blades (wings) that rests on it axis

Learning Objectives
===================
The flying propeller is a project that helps students learn and apply the following:

	- Pressure
	- Up-thrust force
	- The implementation of the engineering design process
	- Application of theoretical concepts to real life situations
	- Coding, electronics, and physical science through a hands-on application that can be directly related to real life situations



Materials Needed
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	- Raspberry pi with micro SD card and Raspbian
	- Jumper wires
	- Breadboard
	- Transistor
	- Diode
	- Resistors
	- Glue gun and glue sticks
	- Cutter blades or scissors
	- 6v external power supply/batteries
	- One 6V Dc motor
	- Toy fan blade toy
	- Thick cardboard

Setup and Functionality
=======================
The propeller is designed to fly upwards as it gains speed from the rotating motor. The motor speed can be altered by setting a specific speed on the keyboard ranging from 1 to 10. The height travelled by the propeller is based on the initial rotation speed. The higher the speed, the higher the elevation when launched.

Circuitry and Electronics:
=================================================

.. image:: Circuits/TheFlyingPropeller.png
   :align: center

Programming 
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.. literalinclude:: Code/TheFlyingPropeller.py

Science Concepts and Skills
===========================
The spinning propeller is simply a twisted wing. It spins in one direction creating a difference in pressure below and above it. In order to have an upward lift, the air pressure should be less above it and lower below. The force that lifts it called the Thrust. The blades are twisted in order to create this difference in pressure. The twist-angle usually varies along its length and is designed to produce the most effect. The angle of the blade with the plane of rotation is called the Pitch Angle.
There are many factors that affect the up-thrust force. One of the factors is the speed of rotation of the propeller, which is the main variable that this project highlights. The speed of the spinning of the propeller is determined by that of an electric motor that hold it. The propeller is released once the set speed is reached. The higher the launching speed, the higher the distance travelled. 

`Video Tutorial`_.

.. _Video Tutorial: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/mit-k12/mit-k12-physics/v/the-forces-on-an-airplane

**Flex your brain!** 
Can you build a similar device that would measure heights of objects off the ground?