Define a problem
Our three goals for this project included
1. To be able to properly construct and test both of the trusses we built for this project.
2. To have the ability to correctly solve both of the trusses using the maximum load force.
3. To be able to calculate the efficiency of the trusses using the weight and applied force on each truss.
1. To be able to properly construct and test both of the trusses we built for this project.
2. To have the ability to correctly solve both of the trusses using the maximum load force.
3. To be able to calculate the efficiency of the trusses using the weight and applied force on each truss.
Generate Concepts
Out of the two trusses we tested i anticipated that the second truss would have been able to withstand more force, because it has more joints for the force to spread out. Truss #2 was the more efficient of the trusses, because it had an efficiency of 15, while truss #1 had about half of that which was 6 and 1/2 efficiency.
Develop a solution
Truss #1
Truss #2
Truss #1
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Truss #2
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Evaluate the solution
I believe that truss #2 is the better truss because it was able to withstand more force because it is able to distribute the force more effectively. While truss #1 could only take a force of 5.71N, truss #2 was able to carry four times that amount with a force of 24N. As well as being able to withhold a greater force, truss #2 was also about two and a half more times efficient than truss #1 one
Present a solution
These photos are during the assembly phase of the build where we drew the dimensions of the trusses, Truss #1 above and truss #2 below.
Conclusion
I'm not exactly as to why each of the trusses failed where they did because there isn't really any similarities between the breaking points.For truss #1 it broke near the applied force on one of the members that was withstanding the most amount of force which is something that we had expected to happen. As for truss #2 it broke in what seems to be a complete random location farther away from the applied force where one would expect and one member which was experiencing no tension or compression forces what so ever. If I were able to redesign either of the trusses I would take truss #2 and take away member BD, add a member AE, and add a new joint directly above joint C and directly to the left of joint E creating two new members which would be known as EF and CE. I feel that if these adjustments were made then the force would be spread out more evenly along the truss allowing it to withstand a much greater force.