Week 5 Progress (10/5/16)

This week, we began plans for rapid prototyping. Although our current design is still in progress, it would still be beneficial to have an actual physical model to facilitate the visualization of the guideway system and do some preliminary torsional testing. Because we don't have all the details regarding [our contact]'s design, Eric advised us to use the school's laser CNC machine to cut a model out of cardstock or cardboard as a means to better understand it.  We plan to follow his advice and construct and test a section of [our contact]'s guideway support, and perhaps a variation of columns as well.

Our team's current design

In addition, we also prepared for this week's upcoming presentation. During preparation, we began to focus in on the many aspects of this project demands and were consequently able to specifically delegate each member with separate responsibilities. The current responsibilities are as follows:

Claude - Design: Solidworks Deliverables
Isaac - Research/Calculations: Suspension/Footings
Kevin - Materials: Types of Materials/Ordering Materials
Winter - Testing: Torsional/Vibrations
Kathlyn - Research/Calculations: Thermal Expansion/Columns

Finally, we will further refine our presentation in time for class on Wednesday. We will also be getting more information from Ron on the South African system when he returns this week.