During the process of figuring out data analysis tool, the team used the MATLAB-based plotter to keep track of the power of the AEV. There are two plots been recorded, the first one being power vs time and the second one being power vs distance. This methodology can be used further in the future performance tests.
Plots Analysis:
Power(W) vs Time(s)
The first command in the code is to accelerate both motors to power 25% in 3 seconds. So it’s easy to observe that the line starting from the origin has a constant slope from 0 to roughly 3 seconds. Then, the code commands all motors to stay at constant power 25%, which has been achieved in the past three seconds. So, in the following one second(interval [3,4]), the line has a slope of zero. Then, suddenly, the motors are required to work under 20% power, which causes a collapse of the curve. But even though, the curve remains slope of 0 because there is no change in power input. Then, suddenly, the curve shoots upward and bounces back to a higher altitude. This is due to the reverse command. Finally, the brake command was called and the power input was cut off.
Power(W) vs Distance(m)
Similarly to the power vs time plot, the power input increases dramatically after the AEV started. Since this an accelerate command. Afterward, the power remains stable as distance increases, as can be shown by the zero slope of the curve. This is due to the goFor command, which keeps motors running at constant power. Then, power input decreases but still remains the same, this can be attributed to the different parameter value of the goFor command, as illustrated by the explanation of the last graph. Then, there came the drastic change in power input, which is caused by the revere command. Finally, the brake command shut down the power input and power stays 0.
Appendix:
Souce code used for data analysis tool
// Program between here——————————————————————-
// Set motors to forward direction.
reverse(4);
// Run all motors at 25% power for 2 seconds.
celerate(4,0,25,3);
// Run all motors at 20% power to absolute position 12 feet.
motorSpeed(4,25);
goFor(1);
//
motorSpeed(4,20);
goFor(2);
//Reverse all motors.
reverse(4);
// Run all motors at 30% power for 1.5 seconds.
motorSpeed(4,25);
goFor(2);
// Brake all motors.
brake(4);
// And here——————————————————————————–