I. ACTIVITY OVERVIEW:
Technology has provided us many systems to solve problems and aid us in our every day lives. A group of systems that we have become increasingly dependent upon are those systems that provide us with the means to move goods and people from place to place. Systems that move goods and people are called transportation systems.
II. THE PROBLEM:
Using only the materials supplied, your task is to build a carbon dioxide (CO2) powered dragster that will travel a distance of 40 feet in the lowest elapsed time (ET).
III. DESIGN CRITERIA:
The criteria listed below must be followed closely. Cars that are not built within these measurements may not be permitted to race.
Maximum |
Minimum
|
|
AXLES (length) |
2 3/4" |
1 5/8" |
AXLE HOLE(distance from either end
of body) |
4" |
3/8" |
DRAGSTER BODY
LENGTH |
12" |
8" |
DRAGSTER BODY
HEIGHT (at rear with wheels) |
3" |
2 1/8" |
DRAGSTER BODY
WIDTH (at front and rear axles) |
1 5/8" |
1 3/8" |
DRAGSTER BODY
WEIGHT (assembled) |
30g |
170g |
WHEELBASE (distance
between axles) |
10 5/8" |
4 1/8" |
POWERPLANT HOUSING
THICKNESS |
*********** |
1/8" |
POWERPLANT DEPTH |
2" |
2" |
AXLE HOLE ( FROM BOTTOM OF CAR) |
1/2" |
3/8" |
SCREW EYES (DISTANCE APART) |
10 5/8" |
6 1/8" |
IV. DESIGN PROCEDURE:
A. Begin your preliminary design process by making several thumbnail sketches or possible car designs on layout sheet.
B. Choose the design features that you think will make the best overall car and neatly sketch the side and top views in the space provided on the form. Placement of axles must be shown.
C. Your drawing must be approved before beginning work on car.
V. CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE:
A. Carefully trace the shaped outline of your car design.
B. Using white glue,assemble the two pieces of wood. Clamp together until dry.
C. Clamp your wood blank onto the drill press and drill both axle holes.
D. Clamp your wood blank into the drill press vise and drill the power plant hole. Check specifications very carefully.
E. Using the bandsaw, and the jig saw, carefully cut out the side profile of your car.
VI. FINISHING PROCEDURES:
A. Use files and rasps to shape body curves and contours.
B. Begin the final shaping of your dragster body by smoothing all surfaces with medium grade sand paper.
C. Use fine sand paper to remove all rough surfaces in preparation for painting your dragster.
D. Painting will be done with acrylic paint and a brush.
E. After the paint has dried completely, (usually overnight), cut axles to length and attach wheels and axles to body.
F. Mount the screw eyes at either end of the car along the car's center line.
G. Turn in dragster for grading before racing.
VII. EVALUATION:
All models will receive grades based on the following factors:
A. Craftsmanship (Finish, design, attention to details/specifications )
B. Performance (Speed- Elapsed Time)
C. CO2 Dragster: Thumbnail Sketches - drawings
CO2-directions.htm ©sgrad 2003