Summary
This week’s lab focused on two tasks: learning about the reflectance sensor, and performing a wind tunnel tests on different propellers to determine which is most efficient. For the purposes of the lab, a test AEV was built from an example AEV provided by the instructional team. The reflectance sensor is used to measure the distance the AEV travels along the track by counting the numbers of times the wheel rotates. Unfortunately during lab multiple problems and errors delayed testing of the reflectance sensor and the AEV. An error with the Arduino compiler prevented the reflectance sensor from being tested to verify it was installed correctly until the near the end of the lab period. The final test with the reflectance sensor, running the AEV on the track and having it go a certain distance, was delayed until next week. When the test was performed, the AEV did not move and the team noted that the motors did not sound right.
The wind tunnel testing was focused on finding the efficiency of the propellers. The two different propellers were tested in both pusher and puller configuration in four separate wind tunnels. Four teams were assigned to each tunnel and the data from each tunnel was collected into one document for every group to use. The final compiled data contained measurements errors as the data for two propellers indicated a negative thrust was produced, which should not have occurred with the wind tunnel setup. This made drawing a conclusion about which propeller is most efficient difficult as there was not reliable data for all propellers.
The main takeaways from the lab are that the reflectance sensor is useful for measuring distance and to be prepared for errors and problems during the process. The reflectance sensor will be used on the final AEV design to ensure that the AEV starts and stops at the proper locations along the path. The team will also be more prepared next time a problem prevents progress during a lab.