Over the next few weeks, I plan on undertaking the following tasks:
- Secondary Research: May 7 -> May 15
- Researching how to utilize motors and wheels to create a launching machine
- Reach out to friends in Robotics and friends that are interested in mechanical systems for guidance and advice in terms of parts, feedback, etc.
- Look for parts, while reading specifications and user manuals to ensure compatibility
- Design machine: May 7 -> May 20
- Goal is to make it as easy as possible to develop the mechanical system
- Using secondary research and the design process, create a detailed design for the system, labelling parts, how they interact, etc.
- Utilize physics theorems learned in SPH3U and SPH4U to deeply understand the interactions between each component and forces present
- Order parts on trusted websites or go in-person to acquire parts
- Build/prototype machine: May 17 -> May 26
- Create a machine using the detailed design and secondary research
- Testing and adjustments: May 20 -> May 27
- Test the machine continuously; for speed, direction, etc.
- Make changes to the machine based on testing results
- Data collection and analysis: May 22 -> June 1
- Using physics (forces, momentum, kinematics, energy, etc.) analyze the machine in detail
- Compare theoretical quantities to measured values to calculate efficiency, energy loss, etc.
- Aim to understand how circular motion and the forces present in it is converted to acceleration of the tennis ball