What is “Friction”?

Friction - the force that resists motion

Friction -•Three types of friction

–Rolling–Sliding–Fluid

MagLev Design Challenge

Engineering Design Process Steps

Understand the Need

• What is the problem?

• What are the project requirements?

• What resources are available?

The problem or challenge is to design and construct a magnet levitation vehicle that has a seat for a Lego man, and can go quickly down the track.

Identify Criteria

• The vehicle MUST be:– ___2 1/2____ inches wide– __7 to 9____ inches long

The MagLev will be made with popsicle sticks that are 3/8” wide and 4 ½” long

The magnets are 1 inch by 3/4 inch

Brainstorm and Design

• Imagine and brainstorm ideas.

• Be creative.

• Explore, compare and analyze many possible solutions.

• Select the most promising idea.

Brainstorm a Solution• Draw at least 4 ideas to solve the

challenge.

Plan

• Draw a diagram of your idea.

• How will it work?

• How will you test it to make sure it works?

Create

• Build a prototype.

• Does it work?

• Talk about what works, what doesn’t and what could work better.

Improve

• Talk about how you could improve your end product.

• Make revisions.

• Draw new designs.

• Make your end product the best it can be.

MagLev Steps

1. Build chassis

2. Make sure it fits

3. If it fits, add magnets

4. Build a seat for the Lego Man

5. Crash Test

6. If he survives, add a motor

Engineering Design Process

• Define the Problem• Brainstorm a Solution• Generate Ideas• Identify Criteria• Explore Possibilities• Make a Prototype• Test and Evaluate the Design• Refine the Design

Generate Ideas

• Redraw your ideas on the handout.

• On the back of the paper, write the name(s) of the people you think you would like to work with.

• Groups of 1 or 2

Identify Criteria

__________ wide

__________ long

Explore Possibilities

• Sit with your group and decide on ONE design that you feel is the most efficient.

• EVERYONE in the group MUST redraw the design on grid paper.

• This is to be done full sized.

Make a Prototype

• Construct the MagLev chassis.– Tape one drawing to the foam board– Tape wax paper over the drawing

Lego Man

Test and Evaluate the Design

• The chassis MUST fit inside the track

• Once it fits, add magnets

• If it floats, build a seat for the Lego man

• Crash test with a Lego man

• If he stays in, add a motor

• RACE!!!!

Refine your Design

• Make repairs to your vehicle.

• Write a summary of the project.– Be sure to include an explanation of how

you could have improved the speed of your vehicle.