James Kamm, Ph.D., professor in the Wade Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,
received his first Indiana Space Grant Consortium grant of $15,000 to replicate two
historic wind tunnel balances used by the Wright Brothers.
This project celebrates aerodynamics history, with one design specifically adapted
for display at Science Central in Fort Wayne.
Trine’s Aerodynamics Lab will host the initial replicas, allowing engineering students
to visualize and interact with fundamental aerodynamic forces. This project team will
create a third adapted balance that will be incorporated into Science Central’s exhibits.
Science Central is a regional resource committed to providing inspiring, hands-on
science education for people of all ages. Science Central reaches more than 140,000
individuals each year through its programs, events and outreach efforts, with more
than 2.6 million people served since opening.
This partnership extends the educational value of the wind tunnel project, bringing
the concepts of force and torque measurement to a wider community.
Senior mechanical engineering majors Brayden McGuire, Zachary Norris, Kyle Stoller,
Colin Crumrine, Jayce Conner and Andrew Henderson will design, fabricate and test
the wind tunnel balances and assist with the Science Central display’s coordination
and fabrication, contributing to Science Central’s mission of making STEM concepts
accessible and engaging to all.
“We are most excited to see the final display and how well the kids can interact and
learn about some of the earlier history of aerodynamics,” said Henderson, project
manager for the design.
“We hope the ability to understand what causes lift and drag using simple concepts
will inspire kids to think about how aerodynamics has evolved over the past century
and the improvements that are still being made today,” he concluded.
Through these hands-on roles, Trine students gain essential skills in historical aerodynamics,
engineering design and community outreach, creating a deeper educational experience
that links classroom learning with real-world impact.
Photo: From left, Trine University mechanical engineering students Zachary Norris, Colin
Crumrine, A.J. Henderson, Kyle Stoller, Jayce Conner and Brayden McGuire are working
on a project funded by the Indiana Space Grant Consortium to replicate two historic
wind tunnel balances used by the Wright Brothers. (Photo by Dean Orewiler / Trine
University)
