EN1201: Mousetrap

Create a mousetrap car for the dynamics lab!

Car that goes the longest distance
does not have to take the final!

Rules:

Work on them individually, or in groups of two - if you work in groups, you split the reward if you win (ie - each person gets 50 extra points on final)

Use one mousetrap to propel the car - (do not add electric motors etc. - your car can only be propelled by the mousetrap spring)

Bring a video camera to record your run (phone)
- You will use the video to record x(t) to calculate velocities and accelerations from.

Grade:
1. Distance traveled (25 points)
4 points / ft
scores above 25 points get you extra credit

0-1 ft→ 4 points
1-2 ft → 8 points
2-3 ft → 12 points
3-4 ft → 16 points
4-5 ft → 20 points
5-6 ft → 24 points
6-7 ft → 28 points! (25 + 3 Extra credit)

2. Travels in a straight line (20 points)
score = 20 - 10*(Distance from center line / distance traveled)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miHyjbepg8c

3. Design (30 points)
Weight: 10 points

0-200 g = 10 points
200-400 g = 8 points
400-600g = 6 points

Strength & functionality: 10 points
Robust Design that doesn't fall apart?
Smooth operation of parts?

Aesthetic appeal & creativity: 10 points

4. Top speed (25 points)
top 33% in class - 25 points
middle - 20 points
bottom 33% - 15 points

Tips:
Lightweight cars typically go faster & farther.

Do a google image search to see designs.
Make wheels out of:

old CD's
Records (you can get these at 1/2 priced books for ~ $1.00)
Lids from plastic food containers
old toy car wheels

We'll test them on the tile surface downstairs so you will need some kind of traction for your wheels:

Wrap a rubber band, balloon, or other rubber material around your wheel.

Prior to race-day we will be:
- going through some dynamics concepts
- setting up excel spreadsheets for the data
- going through error propagation examples

Dynamics lab:
You will only need to write up the results section of this lab report, which includes: