
Skyscraper Shape and Wind Resistance
Hard
Which building shape handles high winds best? You carve four polystyrene models with different cross-sections: rectangular, triangular, circular, and oval. Each model stands 500 mm tall. You mount them one at a time inside a homemade plywood wind tunnel and gradually increase fan speed.
The rectangular model topples at the lowest wind speed. The circular model withstands the highest speed before collapsing. Shape determines how air flows around a structure and how much force it absorbs.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that a skyscraper with a circular cross-section will be able to withstand the greatest force of wind.
Method & Materials
You will build a wind tunnel and model skyscrapers with different shapes. Then, you will gradually increase the wind speed and observe the model buildings to determine which shape can withstand the greatest force of wind.
You will need an industrial fan, 4 pieces of polystyrene foam, 4 pieces of plywood, a hammer, nails, a ruler, a pen-knife, and 4 boxes of playdough.
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See what’s includedResults
It was observed that the model building with a circular cross-section withstood the greatest force of wind, while the model building with a rectangular cross-section was the least resistant to wind.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it shows how the shape of a skyscraper affects its ability to withstand wind.
Also Consider
Experiment variations include building model buildings with denser materials such as wood, and testing to see if the type of surface or paintwork on a building will affect its resistance to wind forces.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related videos
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
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