Summary

The goal of this project was to create a car with maximum efficiency and use it to find out if the energy supplied by the fan's power would equal the car's final kinetic energy. To make the car work, we would attach wheels and a fan to the car that would propel the car forward. To measure the kinetic energy of the car we measure its distance on a motion track, its time using a sensor, and other variables by either measuring them or calculating them using other variables.

Overview and Background

                <div><p>When designing the car, we were required to have the car fit in a 6.50 cm x 15.00 cm x 4.00 cm box. We also needed a section on top that was 5.80 cm wide so the fan could hold onto it without slipping off, as well as holes shaped like doorways on the bottom for the wheel that were 0.35 cm wide, 0.40 cm tall, and at least 7.00 cm away from each other from center to center. We had to add a small hole 0.21 cm in diameter and 4.00 to 5.00 cm deep on the top of our cars as well to hold a steel rod that would trigger and stop the timer. Lastly, because the cars would be 3D printed from top to bottom, the back of the car had to be smooth and flat rather than curved.</p><p>Keeping these requirements in mind, I started my car by making a 5.80 cm x 15.00 cm x 4.00 cm rectangular prism so that it would fit inside the box and be able to hold the fan. I then curved the front of my car so the air wouldn't have to push against a flat surface, making it more aerodynamic. I curved the back section down so the air would push down on the back, keeping the car weighed down on the track. I cut out a triangle from the back to decrease the mass of the car and so that the air would flow under the car and then up, theoretically pushing the car forward and up at an angle. Then I cut out the holes for the wheels, keeping them 10 cm from each other so the mass of the mar would be equally distributed between them rather than having too much mass for one wheel. I also kept them close to the ends of the car so the front or back of the car wouldn't weigh down and tilt the car. I cut out wells 0.1 cm deep and 1.00 cm high for the wheels so they wouldn't press up against the surface of the car and create friction. I added the hole for the pole to go into in the back of the car. Lastly, I cut out a triangle in the bottom of the car to minimize the mass of the car. In addition, I hoped that the air flowing under the car would flow into the triangle and push against the surface, propelling the car forward. I originally made the triangle cut 2.00 cm high, but I lowered the height to 1.00 cm just in case my idea didn't work properly. </p></div>

Assembly Instructions

To assemble the car, first place both sets of wheels in the wheel holes. Next, hook the fan on top of the car. Make sure that the switch is facing the front and the fan itself is facing the rear.

The Race

Jamanda Car A