Forces in Flight

The main body of the exhibit consists of a physical device consisting of an aircraft model, control stick, mechanical buttons and force data display panel, and a cabin bottom flight simulation display screen, combined with a virtual airflow visualization on the screen behind the aircraft. visitors can operate the mechanical buttons to select from the four levels of wind speed, and simulate the thrust (pulling force) given by the engine to the aircraft by pulling the control lever, causing the aircraft to take off. They can also adjust the wind observation data panel to view the relationship between drag and lift at different levels. Explore the basic mechanics of aircraft flight by combining graphic and textual display boards.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

When an airplane is flying in the air, it is mainly subjected to four types of forces: gravity, lift, thrust (pull), and drag. Their mutual balance determines whether the aircraft can take off, accelerate, turn, and maintain altitude. Pilots control the magnitude and direction of four forces by adjusting engine thrust, changing wing angles of attack, and body posture, in order to complete flight operations such as takeoff, cruise, climb, and descent.