Progress Report Lab 07

Backwards looking summary:

As we approach Lab 08, our group has streamlined and improved our AEV, creating a functional code and deciding on two designs to test as we improve both the final design and final code. Our experiments in previous labs showed us ways to increase AEV efficiency. The group prioritized a design that would end up being both aerodynamic and energy efficient. A lesser priority, but something we look for, is a design that is visually appealing without sacrificing much efficiency or increasing wind resistance.

Going forward, our team has settled on two separate but effective designs. The first is the Composite Design that we created from the individual team designs (Designs 1 through 4). Our second proposed design. These designs both bear a strong resemblance to the Reference Design, albeit more streamlined and balanced. As a group, we have plenty of experience using the Reference Design, and we know its quirks and its weaknesses pretty well. Instead of abandoning this knowledge for a radical new design, we focused on fixing the weaknesses of the Reference Design. This process should create a design that is still familiar to us, but is also more efficient and practical. The final big hurdle to focus on is creating a code that will move the AEV a consistent distance for the final run.

In the upcoming lab, Lab 8, the performance testing will begin. In our PDR, we mention two designs, one potential design to be 3D printed and one completed design using the given kit materials. The potential design has been delayed in it’s production due to the lack of SolidWorks experience and the complexity of the design. However, since Lab 8 requires that two different designs be worked on during lab time. A second kit design was made just to be a comparable design to both the one completed design used in the PDR and the reference design. What we are looking for this week is a design lock or a reification that the design we built a couple weeks ago is an optimal design for the completion of the MCR. We could and should be open to design changes and combinations of designs that would help us meet our primary goals, as defined in the PDR, of efficient battery usage, aerodynamics and ascetics. Also coming up, the complete code to move to the gate, to the cargo and back will be completed before entering Lab 8 and refine its components like distance marks and power of motors in Lab 8.

Looking into the future, the AEV needs to be able to run much more consistently, while still achieving the low-cost goal of the project. Adding coasting to the code is expected to cut down on the sensor issues that are being had, as well as improve the energy efficiency of the AEV. The same categories as in previous labs are being focused on, which include aerodynamics, weight, and propulsion. The team is working together to create a code that can achieve the goal almost every run, as well as 3D print a design that can help improve the performance of the AEV. An improved design may be able to decrease the cost while also improving the performance of the AEV.