Wind Turbines and Conic Sections

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenge of connecting wind turbine design with the study of conic sections for a precalculus project. While one participant suggests that aerofoils are more relevant than conic sections, another points out that a developed project lacks a clear link between the two topics. The complexity of actual turbine blade design, which requires advanced computational resources, makes it difficult to relate to conic sections at a precalculus level. However, designing a Savonius wind turbine could potentially provide some connection to conic sections. Ultimately, the participants seek a way to effectively integrate these concepts for educational purposes.
Erika Brown
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I am working on a project for my precalculus class. They are going to study wind turbines and design a wind turbine blade. I am trying to understand the math behind wind turbines myself. Can I relate wind turbines to a study of conic sections?
 
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Erika Brown said:
Can I relate wind turbines to a study of conic sections?
Doesn't look likely to me. Why do you think that might be possible? Aerofoils would be nearer the mark.
 
haruspex said:
Doesn't look likely to me. Why do you think that might be possible? Aerofoils would be nearer the mark.
I found a project already developed on a Project Based Learning website. One part of the project is designing a wind turbine blade and the other is studying conic sections. However, it fails to show the connection between the two parts. I liked the project but I need to be able to relate the two for the students.
 
Actual turbine blades are extraordinarily complex and require considerable computational resources to design. I can't honestly see a way to relate any of it to conic sections, particularly at the precalculus level. Do you have any other details on this other project that might give us more detail on your line of thought here?
 

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