CO2 Dragsters
Conceptual Model:
Problem: Each student is to design and build the quickest and most aerodynamic
CO2 dragster possible.
Ideas: right triangle, twig, arrow point, race car shape, zig zag, free design, low rider, diagonal stick
Ideas: right triangle, twig, arrow point, race car shape, zig zag, free design, low rider, diagonal stick
Criteria: Mass, Aerodynamic, Low to Ground, Slim
Research:
- Covering the surface of your car with small, semi-circular pits ("golf balling") does two things. First, it helps to shave weight by removing material. Secondly, it can help minimize drag by reducing the size of the drag vacuum pocket behind the car.
- The ideal car underbody should be completely flat, parallel with the ground and as close to it as possible
- Mass: the less weight your dragster has, the faster it will go.
- Thrust: The gas escaping from the CO2 cartridge in the car. The cartridge is positioned in the car so that the escaping gas moves in a rearward direction.
- Friction: reduce it by making sure the axles are free to rotate, and that the wheels and tires are not rubbing on the car body.
- Drag: As an object moves through the air, it is met with air resistance as speeds increase. This air resistance pushes against your CO2 car and prevents it from going as fast as it could in a vacuum.
- 1. Rail Car: This design for a dragster miniature has wheels that are externally placed and an extremely narrow chassis. It is one of the easiest models to make. The design is also such that it causes a reduction in the mass of the car, thus increasing speed efficiency. But because it has a thin frame, it is prone to breaking easily. Also it is not as aerodynamically stable as it could be.
- 2. Shell Car: If you are a constructing a shell car, then the design will be such that it will have internal wheels and a bullet shape. These cars are more difficult to build because the wheels need to be placed inside, thus requiring special parts. But the design is such that it is aerodynamic thus giving it a higher speed capability.
- 3. Show Car: If you are looking for a dragster that can be customized greatly, then the show car design is the one you should choose. These are not made to be fast. They have
Possible Solutions: Bullet, Cone, Low rider
Summary |
Idea Matrix |
Technical Sketch:
Mathematical Model:
Based on this graph, there is a trend between body mass and the average speed of the CO2 dragsters. As shown, with increasing weight, the times of the CO2 dragsters are slower. So in conclusion, the lighter the CO2 car, the faster it is.