Project Update 11/18/2015

Recently we have been working on updating our design for the guideway torsion test half scale model. The drawing and part list we received from Jake were inaccurate, containing parts that are not to scale with the model. We met with Swedish mentor Bengt Gustafsson last week to learn about his most recent guideway design and how our model can be modified to match this new design. There are a few features in the new design which must be updated in our model.

The first change that must be made is the lower rail supports must be turned diagonally in order to prevent the buildup of debris. Next part number 10 in the most recent model design must be changed in order to match the new design. Finally, the units must be converted from metric, which was used in Gustafsson's design, to English units. We must then scale these units to half scale for our final design.

After the design is updated there is still a lot to be done. Unfortunately since the design was changed we must change the meshing on the ANSYS model so that it is still accurate. We also still need to determine where our sensors will be placed when we actually conduct the torsion test. Finally, we must procure parts for the test specimen and fabricate it. It may be difficult to obtain parts with our required dimensions, because the values were converted to inches and then scaled to half size. We must choose parts that are as close to our design dimensions as possible.

Torsion Team Update

After our last presentation, we were faced with some technicalities in the scaled down design, drawn up by Jake. In question were the thicknesses of the metal plates required for the model proposed for the build. At this time we are trying to figure out what parts need to be changed, or whether the initial design should be changed totally. Another factor playing into this design is that the team met with Mr. Bengt, the engineer who patented the bogie design, this last week. He kindly supplied us with his solidworks models for a guideway his team had designed. The model he supplied to us is a full scale model that has many similarities to our design, so the plan going forward is to translate his design into ours and see what changes are best suited for the torsion test.

Torsion Test Presentation #2

Torsion Test Presentation #1

Torsion Test Sub-team Project Proposal

Torsion Test Sub-team Project Proposal

Project Team-

Ian Johnsen

-Autocad, Creo, Solidworks

Steve Trevillyan

-Solidworks,

Ivan Tapia

-Welding, Auto cad, inventor,

Christopher Fong

-Autocad, creo, C++, Java,

Responsibilities-

Ian Johnsen is project manager. We will be collaboratively working on each element of the design and testing process since we are a group of 4.

Proposal narrative-

1)   Design a five foot long, half scale model of guideway track. The track design must be as close to final specification as possible while also taking into account the possibility of future changes to the design such as the addition of wayside power.

1. Collaborate with mentors to understand what progress has been made in the track design since last year’s project.
2. Collaborate with other sub-teams to incorporate any of their design changes, such as the addition of wayside power or mounts for solar panels.
3. Check the CEE torsion tester in order to see how the track specimen will be mounted into the tester.
4. Design test track using Solidworks, while taking into account the above three points.

2)   Analyze the proposed guideway design using the finite element analysis program ANSYS.

1. The design must be tested for maximum stress and deflection under normal loading conditions.
2. Perform a fatigue failure analysis on the track section using maximum stress results.
3. Redesign track and redo ANSYS test if performance is unsatisfactory.

3)   Test using CEE torsion tester.

1. Collaborate with the civil engineering department to set up test, including proper sensors.
2. Perform torsion test and record data.

4)   Analyze data to find potential improvements in design and redesign based on findings.

1. Analyze torsion and ANSYS results to see where track design can be further improved.
2. Perform an ANSYS test on the redesigned track.
3. Finalize track design

Sketches or drawings-

How current guideway design can be improved:

Deflection test of double sided test guideway
[Ornelas... "Spartan Superway" 2015]

After observing the FEA deflection test from the previous year’s project, we believe their design can be modified to improve performance. The maximum deflection can be lessened by adding another cross beam on the side sections where the orange arrow is. We believe this will also increase maximum weight capacity and increase the number of cycles before fatigue failure occurs. This idea was inspired by suspension roller coasters, which utilize a main beam to support the two running rails. This is shown in the photo below.

Suspension roller coaster track
[Ornelas... "Spartan Superway" 2015]

Additionally, the track design can be improved by increasing the strength of the steel bars that connect the tracks to the top platform.

Critical Path Schedule-

9-16-2015: Have extensive knowledge of last year’s design of guideway system and work done over the summer by mentors and grad students. Collaborate with others working on guideway design.

9-23-2015: Research preliminary potential changes that may improve last year’s designed guide way, including incorporating the designs of mentors. Model these changes into design using CAD software.

10-7-2015: Collaborate with other teams that have mechanisms that may affect guide way design. Learn ANSYS.

10-21-2015: Model and test using ansys.

11-18-2015: Finalize design changes based on tests and redesign if necessary.

12-8-2015: Start building 5 foot full scale guide way to be tested in CEE Torsion Tester.

Budget-

Roughly $1000 based on pricing from last year’s report.

References:

Iron Dragon. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2015, from https://www.cedarpoint.com/rides/Roller-Coasters/Iron-Dragon

Ornelas, D., Cordero, J., Dutra, K., Tank, V., & Yee, M. (2015, May 21). Spartan Superway: A solar powered automated public transportation system. Retrieved September 14, 2015.

Team Introduction and Project Scope

Team Member Introduction
Christopher Fong: Chris is a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate at San Jose State University.  As a student pursuing a Mechatronics concentration, he has experience in the CAD softwares AutoCAD and Creo, and programming languages C++ and Java.  He enjoys the outdoors, video games, and cooking.  He wants to contribute to the Superway in the best way he can, and help take the next step in making this project a reality.

Chick here to view Chris' personal project blog

Ian Johnsen: Ian is studying mechanical engineering, with a concentration in design, at San Jose State University. His hobbies include skateboarding, PC gaming, hiking and playing guitar. Ian is also a dedicated Buddhist. He hopes to put his knowledge in Creo, Solidworks and AutoCAD to work to help progress this project. Using his degree in mechanical engineering he hopes to contribute to creating a more sustainable society. For this reason, he is excited to work on the ambitious Spartan Superway project. Ian is responsible for managing the torsion test project sub-team.

Click here to view Ian's personal project blog

Ivan Tapia: Ivan is a Senior Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State University and he is excited to integrate his skills to the Spartan Superway Project. Ivan's skills include teamwork, some project management and he works very well with others. Ivan has great experience with drafting programs that include AutoCAD, Invetor, CREO and some Solid Works. Ivan is interested in the Spartan Superway project because the project has the potential to be something great in the future and it also has the potential to make a positive impact on peoples lives as well as the environment. The exposure of the Spartan Superway Project has attracted people and students from other countries and other universities and this also makes this project very appealing. Ivan also likes that the Spartan Superway is a multidisciplinary project in which one would be able to learn about the electrical and civil engineering aspects of this project. Ivan likes to watch sports on his free time and is a huge fantasy football fan. Ivan likes to showcase his knowledge about sports to his friends. Ivan is also a huge boxing fan and occasionally attends some big fights throughout the year.

Click HERE to view Ivan's personal blog

Steve Trevillyan: Steve is a Senior Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State University and a new father. His life outside of school consists of spending as much time with his family as possible. He loves the outdoors and tinkering with anything mechanical. He never misses a camping trip or opportunity to travel. After school is complete, he hopes to find a career as a designer in the motor sports world. Steve knows the importance of the Spartan Superway project and is excited to be involved in this innovative mode of public transportation.

Click here to view Steve's personal project blog.

Scope of work

Our sub-team is in charge of analyzing the Superway’s structural integrity and durability.  This will be done by modeling the Superway in Solidworks, and doing a finite element analysis using ANSYS.  We will attempt to account for all relevant variables, such as temperature fluctuation, loading, and fatigue failure.  After modeling, we will interpret the numerical data and relay key information to other teams for reference.  We will communicate with other teams and  about potential improvements suggested by the various teams, and analyze the impact of these changes.

Goals of sub-team

The first goal will be to model and analyze the Superway for finite element analysis.  Over the semester, we will take suggestions from teams that can refine the design, and come closer to a finalized system.  Once satisfied with the improvements, we will build a 5 foot long guideway sample for torsion testing.  The guideway must meet the design requirements agreed upon by the teams.