- #1
mattfelner
- 6
- 0
Hi all, new guy from CT. We were just assigned a project in physics to build and design a mouse trap car powered solely by the potential energy of a standars mouse trap. The main focus is distance, and so that is what I am aiming for. I have my basic design laid out, as I will attach two eyeholes (the bronze kind that screw into the wood) to the front and back of the trap, and I will slide an axle through them connected to the wheels. It will be powered by a string that is attached to a hook on the axle, so when the mouse trap springs forward it puts tension on the string, thus moving the car forward. Here is my question. I am trying to figure out what to use as an axle/wheel. Considering I am going for distance, would the optimal setup be a small diameter axle, with a large diameter wheel? Or the other way around. Speed/acceleration really isn't an issue, however I need to consider that the mouse trap has a limited amount of force, so i need to have drivetrain components that have relatively low inertia. Sorry about the long post, but what setup should I use to roll the trap car a long way?
Also, I am good with design/building, but I really have a limited amount of tools and such.
For the wheels, I was considering stryrofoam plates or CD's wrappe with a rubber band. Axle I really have no idea. Thanks so much.
Also, I am good with design/building, but I really have a limited amount of tools and such.
For the wheels, I was considering stryrofoam plates or CD's wrappe with a rubber band. Axle I really have no idea. Thanks so much.