The project investigated the use of a mousetrap to propel a small car optimized to cover 20ft in the fastest time possible, or to achieve the longest distance possible, regardless of speed. Measurements of torque, potential energy, speed, mass, and efficiency were used to evaluate the progress of the project, with a total of three presentations conducted throughout the duration of the research project.

The final iteration of the car involved a lighter chassis design with a step-up gear system, utilizing an 8mm diameter wooden rod lever measuring 24 inches. The car travelled a maximum distance of 4.3 meters in 5.9 seconds.  Further studies can be conducted to optimize the chassis design further to mitigate mass imbalance and explore various gear ratios for the car’s propelling system.

Designed using SolidWorks, constructed, 3D printed, and tested a 10”x2” truss bridge system model, applying compression, tension, static/dynamic analysis, and quasi-static processes to evaluate structural performance. 3D printed product was made of Nylon.