Personalized Helmet Design

Our Goal

For this project we were tasked with designing a racing helemt using physics principles, 3D modeling skills, and safety features to guide our design. We began our design by researching the F1 helmet's racing safety standards. From here, the design process began and we implemented our technical drawing skills to draw our helemt in perspective and orthographic views. Finally, we used Fusion 360 to make a 3D model of our helmet. 

Evidence of Work

Below is the Personalized 3D Helmet Report, complete with the design explanation and safety features of the helmet. Also, images of the 3D model as well as the paper sketches we began our brainstorming with. 

Content

Acceleration - 

A change in speed over a period of time; the higher the acceleration, the faster the change in speed. Acceleration is a rate of change in speed and no change means no acceleration. If something is moving at a constant speed, then there is no acceleration because there is no change. 

Coefficient of Friction - 

The measurement of the level of friction embodied in a particular material. The formula to find the coefficient of friction is μ = f/N, where μ is the coefficient of friction, f, is the amount of force that resists motion, and N is the normal force. Normal force is the force at which one surface is pushed into another.

Crumple Zones -

Areas of an object designed to deform and crumple in the case of an impact. This acts as a means to absorb the energy of a collision. For example, the fronts of most automobiles are designed as crumple zones to protect the passengers from frontal collisions. 

Drag - 

a term used in fluid dynamics that is sometimes referred to as air resistance or fluid resistance. Friction is one of the multiple factors influencing the amount of drag a body encounters through a fluid such as air or water.

Inertia -

when an object remains still or moves in a constant direction at a constant speed.

G Force -

a force acting on a body due to acceleration or gravity, informally described in units of acceleration equal to one g.

Friction - 

a force that resists motion when two objects or surfaces come in contact.

Force -

causes masses to accelerate; they are influences that cause a change of movement, direction, or shape. When you press on an object, you are exerting force on it. Force is measured in uniits of pounds or newtons. 

Kinetic Friction -

occurs when two objects are moving relative to each other and rub together. One example of this is a sled moving on the ground. 

Reflection

Overall, this project was a bit challenging for our group however we met the relatively task well. Although we had created our own helmets the week prior, we had to critically think about how to combine our designs while also meeting the safety standards. Also, we had to revist our techincal drawing skills which required thoughtfulness and critical thinking as well. We also had to collaborate on the creation of the report as there were many sections to complete with a limited time frame. We divided out the work well and finished quickly from when we started.

One challenge we faced in this project was naviagting the Fusion 360 website. Along with technical difficulities, it was ultimately a challenge and took a lot of effort to complete. We also struggled with our conscientious learning because we waited a long time to start our project. We missed the deadline by a day, and although our work got done, we need to be better about meeting our deadlines.