Physics - Weight Powered Car

[NeeNee1123]

Okay, so this is our Conservation of Mechanical Energy Design Challenge.

 

Design requirements:

- needs to fit within 1m(cubed)

- only powered by 1kg falling weight (no motors, elastics, nothing.)

- needs to go as far as possible down a school hallway (Minimum requirement is 2m), the goal is maximum displacement

- the vehicle should be designed to minize losses due to non-conservative forces like friction

- the vehicle must start the race from rest, with only the weight supported prior to release

- can only jettison weight

 

What I have so far..

 

So far, the plan (that particially in motion) is to have a triangular car with a rather large stick going straight up, to the maximum height (so its currently about 33" off the car, since teh radius of teh wheel is 2.5, and there is a pulley on top of the big pole.) There is going to be string twirled around teh back axis that goes up to the top of teh pole, and through the pulley. On the other side of the pole, the weight will be attached, and it will bring the string down slowly unravelling the string adn moving the car forward. We also have a cushioned landing spot in place for the weight when it lands.

 

My Questions/COncerns :

 

1. Is there anyway to slow down the speed of the falling weight? Cause Im afraid that if it falls to fast, its just gunna destroy the whole car.

2. We have more pulley's available, any idea where we should place them?

3. Are there any other ways to minimize the amount of losses due to non-conservative forces?

4. Anyother way to make this car more efficient?

Edited May 30, 2012 by NeeNee1123

[Turtle]

Okay, so this is our Conservation of Mechanical Energy Design Challenge.

 

snip...

 

My Questions/COncerns :

 

1. Is there anyway to slow down the speed of the falling weight? Cause Im afraid that if it falls to fast, its just gunna destroy the whole car.

2. We have more pulley's available, any idea where we should place them?

3. Are there any other ways to minimize the amount of losses due to non-conservative forces?

4. Anyother way to make this car more efficient?

 

1. i think the load of moving the car will slow down the weight.

2. as long as the string isn't dragging anywhere -other than through the top pulley- there is no need for other pulleys. they would just add weight.

3. lubricate the axles where they bear on the frame. use light oil or powdered graphite.

4. use a tapered drive pulley as i describe in the first link below.

 

links to other weight-car project help threads at hypography:

 

>> Weight powered cars

 

>> What Are The Physics Principles Involved In This Weight Powered Car?

 

>> Weight powered car

[alionalizoti]

Physics Car

 

4) new ways to make this better!

 

You can use an overbalanced cross (see you tube)

with proper rotating masses (heavy enough)

and a combination of at least five of crosses (72 grade to axes)

then u should transmit rotation, from crosses axes to your car's wheels to move forward

put also something to control speed, cause men you gonna need that!

 

You shouldn't bother much about loosing or gaining, cause natura sanat (nature heals)!

 

[ErlyRisa]

Want a cheating tip...

 

think: Pendulum and skate board...the occupant can shift(dance) with the swing.

+ put a "brake" on the skate board...(brakes ON for forward half swing, then release brakes...allowing for 1 direction travel)

 

This digital system of propulsion should be the most economical., and you don't have to do any complicated construction.

 

Learning too dance with the beat to gain momentum in desired direction is the hard part.

 

The "cheat" here is that the occupant becomes an added bonus of mass...just don't mention it in the competition.

Edited October 7, 2014 by ErlyRisa