For the prototype part, we designed and 3D-printed a custom part which will be fitted into our AEV. We will test the part on the basis of energy vs. time and energy vs. distance using the AEV data extraction tool. The code used during the test is the current code.
Solidworks Draft of the Ventral Fin
The part which was created was a ventral fin, which was a type of fin that is located on the bottom side of a fish, commonly seen being used on airplanes and surfboards to aid in their movement through air/water/etc. The design of the fin will increase the ease of movement of the air past the AEV with its curved front shape, compared with the default flat bottom piece. The goal of the fin is to help the AEV cut through the air as the AEV gains speed, reducing air resistance, and can ultimately reduce the amount of fuel used.
Dimensions
Height: 0.5 inch
Width: 0.5 inch
Depth: 3.0 inch
Testing
With the Ventral Fin
Without the Ventral Fin
The data shows that the AEV is more efficient without the ventral fin. The ventral fin provided extra weight, which caused the AEV to use more energy throughout the test. However, the test is skewed because of lab difficulties, such as wires disconnecting during the tests, explaining the difference of curves in the graph especially in the test without the ventral fin.