Week 2 Post 1

4/10/12- Today in lab we ordered our solar car kit. We also came to a decision on the shape of our design. We have chosen to employ an aerodynamic torpedo-like shape with an indent in it to house the solar panel. This decision was made from an analysis of the "work required" formula provided by Dr. Scoles in lab. The formula is as follows:

This formula is the inspiration for a set of goals for the design of the car. There are two main goals. The first is to decrease the amount of work needed so that the car can maximize all of the power it produces. The second goal is to maximize velocity in order to win the race. Based on the formula, a low amount of work can produce a large velocity if certain variables are minimized. The above formula was analyzed and the set of goals designed to achieve the main goal is as follows:

1. Maximize mechanical efficiency

2. Minimize the mass of the car

3. Minimize the coefficient of rolling resistance

4. Minimize the mass of the wheels

5. Minimize drag

6. Minimize frontal area

A post will follow this one later in the week describing the proposed means of accomplishing each of these six mini-goals in order to accomplish our two main goals. 

-JDN