Final Performance Test

In the final performance test, the group had to complete every objective of the AEV, stopping at the gate, attaching the cargo, and going back through the gate. The AEV’s performance was based on the cost of the run.  Energy used, time, capital costs, and the accuracy of the run all factored into the final cost.  Other additional costs may have come from penalties and extra testing. 

 

First Run

Power: 227J

Time: 52s

Accuracy: 38/40

Cost: $585,481.05

 

Second Run

Power: 227J

Time: 52s

Accuracy: 36/40

Cost $608,532.22

 

Third Run

Power: 217J

Time: 52s

Accuracy: 40/40

Cost $558,900.00

 

Group F received no penalties from safety violations and no additional R&D costs.   

 

Video of a successful run:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the final run was successful when we manipulated the duration of the power brakethroughout the entire code. From the results of the performance testing, the use of power braking instead coasting is recommended. Saving time was also deemed as more important than power from the cost scoring.  Another recommendation is using marks to measure distance instead of time.  Marks serve as a more accurate way to measure distance and is the most consistent.