The BIG BLUE project provides hands on learning for engineering students at the University of Kentucky, as well as for K-12 students from across the state. Members of the BIG BLUE team are involved in community activities intended to promote aerospace and the discovery of flight to many students. Currently, BIG BLUE team members are presenting the basic principles of flight and the simplified concepts of BIG BLUE to elementary through high school students at schools and science fairs. We plan to greatly expand this outreach with a permanent, hands-on display at the Kentucky Aviation Museum located at Bluegrass Field.

For more information on the Kentucky Aviation Museum, visit aviationky.org.

The BIG BLUE team members thank SOFASCO for their generous donation of the fans needed to build the museum wind tunnel display. SOFASCO specializes in manufacturing ball bearing and sleeve AC/DC axial fans, blowers, and chip coolers for different environments. For information on SOFASCO, see sofasco.com.

BIG BLUE thanks SOFASCO and other generous donors to the museum display

BIG BLUE Friends:
- Lexmark donated the printer raffled at the 2004 UK CoE Homecoming Lunch

- BIG ASS Fans donated $200 which will help purchase components and hardware as the display is assembled
BIG BLUE Founders: Solomon VanMeter

BIG BLUE Fanatics: Suzanne Smith, Elberta Casey, Jack Leifer

The permanent display at the Aviation Museum will consist of a simplified wind tunnel that will be designed and constructed by students in UK engineering classes, along with a display of the different aspects of the BIG BLUE project.

The wind tunnel will be the most technical aspect of the display. A model airplane will be suspended on a cord from the top of the wind tunnel. The plane will be connected to a control yoke outside of the wind tunnel for observers to control the roll, pitch, and yaw of the plane. Lift will be generated by a set of fans at the back of the wind tunnel.

Similar displays have been constructed, such as one at Iowa State University, that have been very successful in promoting aviation and aerospace interest among students in grades K-12. We will continue to promote aviation and aerospace interest and tie into the centennial anniversary of the first manned flight. The BIG BLUE project is on the cutting edge for the coming century of flight that promises to be just as exciting as the last.

The permanent museum display and educational project will only be possible with funding from generous companies and individuals. Donations will allow students to participate in a unique learning experience as they design and build the museum display. The display enables students to give back to the community in spirit of UK’s dedication to support education throughout the Commonwealth.

Our monetary goal for the museum display is $10,000. The fans and materials are the primary cost for the project. Other costs include electronics, signage, and travel to other universities and museums to learn more about their displays.

Levels of Donation
$50 Big Blue Fan
$100 Big Blue Fanatic
$250 Big Blue Founder
$1000 Big Blue Financier
Other Big Blue Friend

Corporate or private donors will be recognized for their participation in the BIG BLUE project to benefit the community and increase interest in aviation. Recognition will be given in the follows ways:

• On the second BIG BLUE glider and display at the Kentucky Aviation Museum
• The University of Kentucky BIG BLUE website
• In published articles about BIG BLUE

Also, corporate donors should keep in mind that they might be investing in future assets for their company, as members of the BIG BLUE team are continually entering the job market.

To date the BIG BLUE team is comprised of four advisors, over 100 undergraduate students, graduate students, high-school students and volunteers. Click the Team Members page for a detailed list of the BIG BLUE Team!

Dr. Suzanne Weaver Smith
151 R.G. Anderson Bldg
Lexington, KY 40506-0503
ssmith@engr.uky.edu
(859) 257-6336

Make checks payable to “University of Kentucky” with “BIG BLUE Museum project” on the memo line