Extended Abstract

Section 027

Group Name: Kranium Krusherz

Team Member Names:

1. Cunningham, Ryan
2. Dial, Vickash
3. Griffith, Sam
4. Nesturrick, Dylan
5. Rehmani, Enver

Objective:

The objective is to build a vehicle, that will travel the furthest distance, while
weighing having the least amount of mass, and carrying the most amount of weight.
The constraints for this project are a cost budget of eighty dollars, a dimensional
constraint of 2 feet wide by 2 feet long by 3 feet high. The rover also cannot have
any electrical components (or dry ice).

Rover Options:

Rover Option #1: Purchase a cheap Wal-Mart skateboard, and remove the trucks
and wheels. Construct a PVC frame and reattach the trucks and wheels. Add a CO2
tank to propel the makeshift skateboard. Also create a platform to place the weights.
The materials we would need would be skateboard trucks/wheels/bearings, a CO2
tank, CO2, PVC, and possibly wood for the platform.

Rover Option #2: Construct an ultra-lightweight frame out of PVC and light wood
and use either a strong rubber band or a bungee cord to create a high level of
tension that works as a makeshift motor. The back wheel could either be cylinder or
wheels, and the tension would turn the axels. Necessary materials include a strong
band (either rubber or bungee), PVC and light wood for the frame, and wheels or
rollers.

Rover Option #3: Construct a hybrid of the first two builds where a rubber band
device creates the initial velocity and a CO2 tank gives it continued force throughout
the run. This option is more complicated than the first two options, and more
involved, but theres a chance it would give a large amount of force. The necessary
materials include wheels, an axel, a platform, a CO2 tank, and a band.




Option Comparison:

Scoring Equation

(WE x 2(WB-WE)
1.6
)
_______________________ X (0.4D)
1.2

WD


WE Weight Carried at the End of the Run
WB - Weight Carried at the Beginning of the Run
WD Weight of the Device
D Distance traveled

Score Comparisons

Weight
Carried
(pounds)
Weight of the
Device
(pounds)
Distance
Traveled
(feet)
Difficulty
Level
Estimated
Score
CO2 Option 20 6 60 5/10 151
Rubber Band
Option
10 3 35 6/10 79
Hybrid Option
25 8 80 7/10 200


For the Estimated Score it was assumed that no weight was dropped during the
run.

Conclusions

Although it will be more difficult and expensive to do a hybrid of both a CO2
propulsion tank and a rubber band motor, it will also be more creative and better
scoring than both of the options alone. Based on this conclusion, our group has
decided for the time being to tackle the challenge of building the Hybrid Options
Mars Transporter.

Schedule
11/10/11 Abstract Due
Week of 11/13/11 Begin Purchasing Major Parts and Begin Construction
Week of 11/20/11 Finishing Touches and Testing
November 26/27 Meet Up to Write Final Paper
December 2 Competition Day!