Balsa Wood Documentation (conceptual model)
Identify the Problem- Create a tower of made of balsa wood, which would withstand the given amount of pressure. It would also have to accompany a metal beam within the middle of it.
Generate Ideas- One of the ideas, which we had was a gigantic cube, which be used to withstand the pressure of the weights. Another idea would be a scaffold like tower, which would absorb the pressure of the weights. Another idea would be a pyramid, which would absorb the pressure and carry it down through the pyramid.
Constraints- The tower must be made of balsa wood, and glue. It must be atleast 2, 2, 3, and not any more than 4,4,5 in dimensions.
Criteria- The tower must be durable, so that it will not break under pressure, and maintain its structure. It must also be efficient so that we take the least amount of space, yet perform its function. It must also be effective in its goal so that it accomplishes the task it was given.
Research-
theoretical: the truss design is primarily used for bridges. The design most of the time is shaped like triangles. Many people use balsa wood to create structures and will then add weights to see if it will withstand the pressure. Truss design has also been used for building things like radio towers and fences. The form of truss within building is called Lattice Tower an example of this tower is the Eiffel Tower.
Empirical: We learned while the test occurred, that the triangle shape was the best way to go. Although the cubes held a lot of weight, many of them crashed before 50 pounds. Anyone who did a triangle was at least able to get above a 50
Possible Solutions- One solution we had, was to create a cube, but after tests, and seeing that it wouldn't work. After looking at our previous research, we now think that a triangle like structure will be the best bet. There
Idea Matrix-
Generate Ideas- One of the ideas, which we had was a gigantic cube, which be used to withstand the pressure of the weights. Another idea would be a scaffold like tower, which would absorb the pressure of the weights. Another idea would be a pyramid, which would absorb the pressure and carry it down through the pyramid.
Constraints- The tower must be made of balsa wood, and glue. It must be atleast 2, 2, 3, and not any more than 4,4,5 in dimensions.
Criteria- The tower must be durable, so that it will not break under pressure, and maintain its structure. It must also be efficient so that we take the least amount of space, yet perform its function. It must also be effective in its goal so that it accomplishes the task it was given.
Research-
theoretical: the truss design is primarily used for bridges. The design most of the time is shaped like triangles. Many people use balsa wood to create structures and will then add weights to see if it will withstand the pressure. Truss design has also been used for building things like radio towers and fences. The form of truss within building is called Lattice Tower an example of this tower is the Eiffel Tower.
Empirical: We learned while the test occurred, that the triangle shape was the best way to go. Although the cubes held a lot of weight, many of them crashed before 50 pounds. Anyone who did a triangle was at least able to get above a 50
Possible Solutions- One solution we had, was to create a cube, but after tests, and seeing that it wouldn't work. After looking at our previous research, we now think that a triangle like structure will be the best bet. There
Idea Matrix-
Graphical Model
the flattened pyramid
Mathematical Model
Based on this graph above, our tower withstood 147 lbs before crashing, then stayed constant then crashed again dramatically. It tried to come back up but stopped. |
Weight held based on length. The length was in between 3-5 inches of the towers.The weight was scattered across the graph , but it seemed that the greater the weight of the tower, the more weight it withstood |
Working Model
Results/Redesign
If we were to redesign the tower we probably would have made it larger. Based on statistical data, having a larger tower, made it withstand more pressure. For our tower itself, it withstood 147 lbs of pressure, and had a displacement of .297. We also should have possibly laminated the project as well. Other than that we are very satisfied with our project and wouldn't have changed anything else.