Propeller Configuration #1:
For this configuration, the group placed two propellers on the back of the AEV to be used as pushers.
Propeller Configuration #2:
For this configuration of the propellers, the group put a single propeller on the back of the AEV to be used as a pusher.
Propeller Configuration #3:
For this configuration of the propellers, the team placed one propeller in the front and one in the back. The back is to be used as a pusher and the front as a puller for the AEV.
The following graphs show the power versus distance and power versus time for the three propeller designs.
Looking at the first graph, it can be seen that test runs 1 and 2 were not as successful as test run 1. For each run, the power was set at 45% and it accelerated for 3 seconds. However, only one propeller configuration resulted in the AEV traveling an efficient distance. It can be seen the first configuration (two propellers located in the back on the vehichle) went the farthest. The next configuration (one propeller in the back) did not allow the AEV to travel at all, and the third one (one propeller in the back and one in the front) did not do much better. Analyzing these results, it was easily determined that the AEV gets enough power to move when two propellers are located in the back and acting as pushers. The total distance the vehicle traveled was around 1.5 meters. This distance was not enough for it to reach the middle of the track where it is required to stop. In future testing, changes to the code must be made in order for the AEV to reach that point. The power will have to be adjusted, or the time it is accelerating. Also in future testing, the team will keep two propellers located in the back. This configuration was the only one that led to efficient movement, so keeping it will lead to the best AEV. These findings have influenced our approach of future testing and the final design by determining the design that works the best and the amount of power and acceleration needed.
Reference: “Advanced R&D” The Ohio State University, Jan. 2018