Conceptual Model
Identify the Problem
The goal of this assignment is to get a CO2 powered dragster from point a to point b.
Generate Ideas
Aerodynamic
Triangular
Skinnier wheels in the front
length: between 205-210
Pointed front
Curved bottom and top
Triangular
Skinnier wheels in the front
length: between 205-210
Pointed front
Curved bottom and top
Constraints
Can only use balsa wood block
Cannot add anything to the car itself
Cannot add anything to the car itself
Criteria
Aerodynamic: the more triangular, the easier it moves through the wind resistance
Height: cannot be too far from the ground (it would create more resistance)
Weight: the faster it is, the faster it'll move
Easy to build: leaves less room for error
Height: cannot be too far from the ground (it would create more resistance)
Weight: the faster it is, the faster it'll move
Easy to build: leaves less room for error
Research
To be aerodynamic, a car has to be triangular to 'slice' through the wind resistance.
If a car is too light, the wind resistance will slow it down by pushing back against it.
If a car is too heavy, the canister won't be enough to move it a significant distance.
Citations:
"CO2 Dragster Dynamics - HowStuffWorks." How Stuff Works. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Aerodynamic Tips and Tricks You Can Use For Better Performance - Hot Rod Magazine." Hot Rod. N.p., 05 June 2007. Web.
If a car is too light, the wind resistance will slow it down by pushing back against it.
If a car is too heavy, the canister won't be enough to move it a significant distance.
Citations:
"CO2 Dragster Dynamics - HowStuffWorks." How Stuff Works. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Aerodynamic Tips and Tricks You Can Use For Better Performance - Hot Rod Magazine." Hot Rod. N.p., 05 June 2007. Web.
Possible Solutions
Idea Matrix
Summary
I chose solution three because it scored the highest on the idea matrix and I personally believe it would perform the best out of my six ideas. Idea 3 illustrates a dragster with a curved top and slightly curved bottom. Ideally, the length would be 207 mm and would have small wheels in the front and larger wheels in the back.
Graphical Model
Mathematical Model
In the graph, I compared the weight of the car to the time it took to race. The graph shows the heavier the car, the slower it'll go. You can come to the conclusion that the lighter the car, the faster it'll go, thus being more efficient.
Working Model
When shaping the car:
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The fastest my car went was .683 seconds traveling roughly 40 feet
As you can tell by the two holes in the bottom right view, the eye screw came out twice while racing which made me able to race twice instead of three like everyone else. One possible reason it came out is it was simply a bad glue job. The car's design itself didn't change from the graphical model, I just added color.