Alternative Energy Vehicle
What is an Alternative Energy Vehicle?
Alternative energy sources, particularly within the realm of transportation, have become a hot topic within the scientific and engineering communities. Therefore, a safe and efficient method of capturing a form of energy and transferring it into kinetic energy is of utmost importance. Currently available methods are gas-electric hybrids, gas-hydraulic fluid hybrids, electric, and compressed gas.
What was our work Process
We started by learning about different kinds of alternative energies. Then, we chose elasticity, like using a rubber band. After a few days of building our model, we tested and figured out how many turns of the rubber band made the car go five meters. We recorded a video of our project and made a slideshow to explain it. Finally, we proudly presented our car model, showing what we learned through our fun and hands-on journey.
What was our Task?
Your vehicle must safely transport 2 passengers (rolls of 50 pennies) with a total mass of 250 grams a length of 5 meters. You will be evaluated on:
The distance traveled (at least 5 meters)
How close to the target your vehicle stops (as close to 5 m as possible)
How quickly the vehicle can carry the 250g mass 5 m (power)
Your 3-5 minute presentation, which must include performance graphs.
How cost efficient your prototype is to build.
Content
Gravitational Potential Energy: Energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field. The formula for this is PEg=mgh
Spring potential energy: A form of stored energy that elastic objects can hold. The formula for this is PEspring= 1/2kx^2
Kinetic Energy: A form of energy possessed by an object due to its motion. The Formula for this is KE= 1/2mv^2
Total Energy: The sum of kinetic and gravitational potential energy, and this total energy is conserved in orbital motion.
Thermal Energy: Energy to heat transfer. The formula to solve this is TE= Total E- PE -KE
Velocity: Rate of distance covered in a direction (how fast). The formula for this is the change in Distance over the change of time
Distance: Space between two points. To get this the formula is d=1/2 at^2
Rotational inertia: A property of any object which can be rotated. It is a value that tells us how difficult it is to change the rotational velocity of the object around a given rotational axis.
Reflection
I learned how to collaborate with others during this project because we started to have fun while we worked and that kept us on task. I also learned how to be better with creativity where I learned how to do things to make it look better. I need to work on character because I don't have a lot of integrity. Also, I could be more culturally competent by helping others who are facing discrimination. Overall, It was a lot of fun and I liked this project because It felt good to create something that moved on its own. My least favorite part was when we had to do the calculations.