For the Advanced R&D Labs Team N completed the Power Braking vs. Coasting Lab and the Energy Analysis Lab. After completing the Power Braking vs. Coasting Lab, the team created a grant proposal and received funding to 3D-print a wheel that is intended to serve as both an alternate method of propulsion and an alternate braking method. Not only is the motorized wheel expected to improve the AEV function, but the unique and efficient design is also extremely marketable. In this section of the website, Team N’s results from both AR&D labs can be found in the links below. Following the Advanced R&D labs, the Arduino Code page was also updated.
Moving forward, Team N will be testing the motorized wheel using the same processes used to test the propellor propulsion system. The 3D printing process took longer than expected and set testing back. The wheel design had to be reconfigured because the diameter of the motor spindle the wheel needs to fit is too small to be 3D printed. The problem was resolved and Team N now has the wheel to begin testing. The team will only conduct the Power Braking section of the Power Braking vs. Coasting lab after concluding that power braking is a more effective braking method. The team will then conduct the Energy Analysis lab using the wheel as the propulsion system. After testing the wheel, the engineers of Team N will compare the results of each lab and make a definitive decision on which method of propulsion to use going forward.