Andrew Dickey ENGN
e-Portfolio
Project Overview
•This project shows how linear regression can be used to predict performance in small engineering systems
•Two systems were tested:- Solar-powered model car-Chemical propulsion rocket car
•Our goal was to use data to predict travel time and impact speed
•Data was analyzed using Excel and regression analysis
Solar Car Construction
•The solar car was built using a wooden frame, wheels, gears, and a solar panel
•Solar panel was connected through wiring to a small gear system
•Energy from the solar panel spun a gear that turned larger gears attached to the wheels
•This allowed the car to move using solar energy conversion into motion
Chemical Car Construction
• The rocket car was simpler mechanically compared to the solar car
•A rocket engine was inserted into the rear of the car
•Engine produced thrust using chemical combustion
•Cars were weighed before testing for analysis purposes
Data Collection & Testing
•Both cars were tested on a 48-foot track/runway
•Multiple trials were completed for more accurate results
•Data collected includes:- Distance traveled-Time of Travel-Velocity-Impact speed(rocket car)
•Solar car used timed distance runs
•Rocket car used run time and speed measurements using altimeters and timing tools
•Cars were aligned using string guides for consistency
•Rockets were ignited using electrical ignition cables
Solar Car Results
•Compared actual travel time vs theoretical time
•Theoretical model included:
-Voltage
-Current
-Distance
-Mass
•Regression model used to predict travel time
•Differences helped identify energy loss and real-world inefficiencies
Chemical Rocket Results
•Analyzed impact speed using a regression model
•Key variables
-Launch mass
-Rocket impulse
-Measured impact speed
•Predicted vs actual values were compared
•Differences highlighted variation in thrust and external conditions
Summary
After testing and collecting data, we found that the average travel time for the solar car was approximately 32–37 seconds, while the average impact speed of the rocket-powered car was about 16.27 m/s.
Based on these results, we concluded that the rocket car is the overall better system. This is because it performed better than the solar car in nearly every category, particularly in speed and overall performance.