Preliminary R&D

  • Lab 1

Progress Report Questions

  1. Comment on the performance of the electric motors (i.e., in scenario 1 line 1, did the propeller begin to rotate at the start of the program or was there resistance observed in the motor to rotate the propeller at low speeds?).

-The electric motors were observed to be performing correctly based on the movement of the rotors according the the code. The motors were observed to be running correctly according to the code, breaking and changing direction as specified.

Website Deliverables

  1. Create a glossary of the Arduino function calls (with similar content to the Basic Function Calls table in the Background section) and include it on your webpage so viewers unaccustomed to programming will be able to understand your code.

-The glossary can be found in the Arduino Code tab, along with the code used in each lab activity.

 

  • Lab 2

Progress Report Questions

  1. Discuss how the commands used in this lab may limit the success of the AEV in its completion of the scenario Hint: by applying the brake command, will an AEV stop right away?

-Since applying the brake causes the AEV to stop over time and not immediately, additional distance is covered, and some degree of energy is wasted.

Website Deliverables

  1. Upload a picture of your sensors secured to the AEV correctly.

  1. Describe the function of the reflectance sensors and their importance in completing the MCR.

-The reflectance sensors measure the position of the AEV, thus being paramount to ensure the AEV functions correctly according to its code. The reflectance sensors allow for the AEV to change its movement based on its travel, ensuring it follows the code. If the sensor is not confirmed to be working correctly, further testing will be possibly be inaccurate.

 

  • Lab 3

Progress Report Questions

  1. Provide descriptions of the main features and motivations of each individual design. Describe how the designs differ for the team and how that change will improve or hinder the AEV’s ability to complete the scenario. Are there any specific design features that will aid in any component of completing the MCR? Were there any specific techniques used for the brainstorming session of the lab?

-The teams designs differ in terms of the frames, but all share the similarity of being designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. The designs all feature different costs, with the more costly ones generally being slightly more aerodynamic. The aerodynamic design of the vehicle would allow for air resistance to be minimized, thus allowing for the AEV to move with less drag.

  1. Provide each individual concept sketch. Each sketch needs to be hand-drawn in the 3 primary orthographic views with overall dimensions, scale, estimated weight, and an estimated Bill of Materials with the estimated cost of each part used (refer to the AEV kit checklist for AEV parts cost). Do not forget to fill out the title block. Orthographic paper is available on Carmen.

-The individual sketches and their descriptions can be found in the designs section of the deliverables.

  1. Include the team concept sketch (with 3 primary orthographic views with overall dimensions, scale, estimated weight, and an estimated Bill of Materials with the estimated cost of each part used).

-The team concept sketch can also be found in the design section of the deliverables.

Website Deliverables

  1. Upload all individual concept sketches as well as the team concept sketch. (in design tab)
  2. Include explanations behind sketches. Explain why that idea would be successful in completing the scenario. (in design tab)

 

  • Lab 4

Progress Report Questions

  1. Provide the following figures and tables:
  • A plot of Power vs. Time
  • A plot of Power vs. Distance

(Done below)

  1. Provide an explanation for the figures and what they are representing (Hint: refer to the Arduino Code)

(Done below)

Website Deliverables

  1. Upload both the Energy vs. Time and Energy vs. Distance plots
  2. Upload code associated with these plots
    (Done on Arduino Code page)
  3. Explain the figures by describing what the AEV is doing for each section of the plot.

-Energy vs. Time: The AEVs results in terms of the energy vs time plots correlate with the code.In the case of the first 2 seconds, the AEV accelerates in power from 0 to 2 seconds, as can be seen by the energy vs time chart. It then continues moving at that same motor speed from 2 to 7 seconds, as indicated by the motor speed command. After this, the vehicle brakes for 2 seconds, before reversing the motor polarity and accelerating for another 2 seconds. The final portion of the code has the motor run at a certain speed for 2 seconds, followed by having it run at a higher speed for another two seconds.

-Energy vs. Distance: The energy vs distance plots also match what is to be expected from the AEV. The distance crossed from 0 to 2.4 meters occurs at a constant power due to the fact that the inertia of the AEV was causing it not to move until the force exerted by the propellors reached the designated motor speed. Afterwards, when the AEV stops, it can be seen that although the power becomes zero, the AEV continues to coast for a short distance. After the reversal in motor polarity, the aev easily manages to move while the AEV accelerates, and proceeds to move at a consistent rate from 4 to 4.4 meters. The final movement experienced by the AEV is at an extremely high power, where it moves for a short period of time before the code comes to an end.

 

  • Lab 5

Progress Report Questions

  1. Provide a completed copy of the Concept Screening and Scoring spreadsheets (with descriptions of the criteria choices and what the spreadsheets are representing).
    (Done below)
  2. Discuss the pros and cons of each design as compared to the Reference AEV using the Concept Screening and Scoring spreadsheets to help for justification.
    (On design page)
  3. Use these matrices to define which two AEV concepts will be carried forward in the design cycle.
    (On design page)

Website Deliverables

  1. Upload both Concept Screening and Concept Scoring spreadsheets along with descriptions of the criteria.
    Screening Matrix:

    Scoring Matrix:
  2. Include the pros and cons of each design (should be placed near the drawings of each design).
    (On design page)
  3. Make it clear which two AEV concepts will be carried forward in the design cycle.
    (On design page)