B. Push and Pull

Push and Pull

Purpose: Compare push and pull and choose the more efficient one.

Process:   Note: In parentheses represents our choices.

  1. Design codes for pull and push test
  2. Upload codes for pull
  3. Run the AEV and Collect data
  4. Upload codes for push
  5. Run the AEV and Collect data
  6. Analyze the data

Result: 

Multiple motor positions were tested, being in the front of the AEV and in the back of the AEV. With the motors in the front of the AEV a pull method was employed, whereas with the motors in the back of the AEV a push method was used. In the graph below, it is evident that the push method proved to be more efficient in braking the AEV as the vehicle traveled a lesser distance within the given time interval and plateaued with regard to distance faster than the pull method. Keeping this in mind, the team began to lean toward using the push method and placing the motors in the back of the AEV, but more information was needed to make a decision.

Another important factor taken into consideration was energy consumption with respect to each method. As displayed in the graph below, the pull method ended up consuming slightly less energy than the push method. Since the difference in energy consumption between the two methods was very minimal, the team still decided to use the push method as the difference in braking efficiency was much more significant than that of energy consumption.

Conclusion: The team decided to use pull when AEV connects to caboose.