Believe it or not, scientist are still arguing (debating would be a better word,
I guess) as to exactly what scientific principle should be used to explain why an
airplane can fly. One explanation, the Bernoulli Effect is commonly used to explain
the phenomenon of flight . In this experiment we demonstrate the second explanation
- the Coanda Effect
- Light a candle and place it on a table.
- Place a oatmeal or salt container in front of the candle.
- Blow against the other side of the container (the side opposite from the lit candle).
Be sure to keep your mouth even with the flame of the candle.
Bet ya didn't guess that was going to happen - did ya? The Coanda Effect is the
tendency of a fluid or air to follow the curved surface of a wall. In this case,
air acts like a fluid and follows the contour of the round container. When the streams
meet on the other side, they combine to blow out the candle.
The Coanda Effect is used to explain how an airplane can fly. The airplane flies
because the wings are forced upwards. Wings are forced upwards because they are
tilted and deflect air downwards (generating lift). Both the upper and lower surfaces
of the wing deflect air. The upper surface of the wing deflects air downwards because
the airflow 'sticks' to the wing surface and follows the tilted wing due to the
Coanda Effect.