Dragster Project: emphasis on control

Control The dragster project focuses on control Controlling electric motors is the basis for many applications in industry Examples of applications include: standard power tools and machines – (most electric drills will reverse direction) automated machines, CNC machines, and robotic machines Control of motors is primary – desired motion is secondary

What is a dragster?

Shirley Muldowney NY won the Top Fuel Championship in 1977, 1980, and 1982 – ranked 5 th in all time speed driver list. Muldowney is Irish American – Don’t forget Tracey!

Dragster Theme Expandable design - Body based on inter fitting aluminium channels. Two simple gearboxes and motors are used to drive large rear wheels. Each wheel may be controlled separately. Prototype vehicle:

Dragster Theme

Simple design - one piece frame or body to support additional components -

Castor

Castor in a car steering

Dragster Project Integration of Topics: Body/Frame design: Sketching of idea’s, dimensioning, selection of suitable materials, exercises in SolidWorks Assembly Techniques Screwing and Tapping, and Soldering, and consideration of other methods Drive Systems Gear boxes,Both bought and constructed, Bevel gears, Worm Gears, Pulley Systems, Belt & Chain Drives, Drive reversal, etc. Finishes: Polishing, Painting, Vacuum forming of body shell. Electronics: Components, Circuit design, Board layout, Timing circuits, Electronic theory. Project Management Allocation of resources, Time, Materials, Equipment, Costs, etc

Dragster project Summary Some or all of the following areas may be integrated and incorporated into the final project: 1.Design theory and practice 2.Appropriate material selection 3.Marking out and fitting skills 4.Assembly and joining processes 5.Electronic circuit design theory and practice 6.Mould making theory and practice 7.Finishes, surface and other 8.Project Management 9.Safety considerations, general and project specific.