Unit Award Scheme

128361

Leonardo da Vinci’s aerial screw: The evolution of vertical flight

Level: Level One

In successfully completing this unit, the learner will have	Evidence needed
demonstrated the ability to 1. research the Archimedes' screw and explain how Leonardo transitioned this hydraulic principle to an aerodynamic one, ie moving water to moving air	Summary sheet and/or student completed work
2. design and construct a crank-operated model of the Aerial screw, translating rotational force into the specific spiral movement of the blade	Summary sheet
3. research the structural limitations of the 15th century, eg reed, linen, and wire versus modern aerospace composites, eg carbon fibre, titanium, to explain the power-to-weight ratio	Summary sheet and/or student completed work
4. compare and contrast Leonardo’s solid sail theory to the the modern airfoil blade, using the model for illustration	Summary sheet and/or student completed work
5. research how Bernoulli’s principle explains why modern helicopters actually fly.	Summary sheet and/or student completed work