Week 10

Week 10 Update

For this week, we decided to focus on several things. First we focused our attention on:

• Rebuilding/Re-designing the vertical columns found in column assembly

The column assembly that was provided to us seemed to run into issues whenever we tried to perform FEA. So, we decided that our best option was rebuilding it. We went through two revisions before we were able to properly construct the column again. Below is the image of our new column as well as the new assembly. We will be running FEA as soon as possible in order to provide the Solar Team some information about how much our columns can withstand.

Full Column Assembly (Right) and column component (left)

Second order of business was:

• Creating a segmented track 

We were given the idea by Ethan and Dr. Furman to create a segmented track instead of bending it. The reasoning behind this was manufacturing costs. It might be too difficult and expensive to bend the track and the components that go along with it. So, we have decided to create a segmented track. We have two different designs for this, as can be seen below. Once we have a set design, we will do some FEA to compare the designs.















Figure (left): Segmented track & curved sheet 

 Figure (right): Design #1 for segmented track

Figure (left): 5 segment track design w/ curved sheet 

Lastly,

• Continuing our design of the junction 

The junction is a work in progress and David has done a great job in showing our newest design. Below is what we have so far. Work is still in progress to modify the truss structure to accommodate the additional width from the track.

Preliminary junction assembly.

ALSO, we have decided to use a 2x6" tube rather than the 2x8" in order to give the bogie teams more space as well as minimize material use.