{"id":384,"date":"2024-11-30T17:41:33","date_gmt":"2024-11-30T22:41:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/?p=384"},"modified":"2024-11-30T17:41:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T22:41:33","slug":"how-my-team-came-up-with-a-prototype-of-a-rover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/2024\/11\/30\/how-my-team-came-up-with-a-prototype-of-a-rover\/","title":{"rendered":"how my team came up with a prototype of a rover"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">Hello all! This is a continuation of <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/2024\/11\/09\/how-i-rediscovered-a-small-moon-with-a-massive-world\/\">the Enceladus project<\/a>, where my team&#8212;<a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/royz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roy Zeng<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/joshuac\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joshua Chen<\/a> and me&#8212;will be simulating a trip to Enceladus for scientific purposes. This blog post will outline our ideation and prototyping process to solve our problem statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote alignwide is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-container-core-quote-is-layout-8a368f38 wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>A team of astronauts must travel 10 kilometers on Enceladus safely while combatting the icy temperatures and brightness-induced low visibility. They must also avoid geysers of water vapour and the possibility of escaping from Enceladus\u2019s gravity pull.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Ideation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">During our ideation phase, we brainstormed many different potential solutions&#8212;both good and bad&#8212;to address the obstacles posed by Enceladus. These solutions include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-medium-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0;flex-basis:100%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-default\">\n<li>Duck feet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hovercraft\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spiky Wheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tank Wheels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Catapult<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Labor (swimming, running, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penguin Belly Sliding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flamethrowers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ice Skates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air Bubbles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Star Wars Ice Crawlers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Star Wars Death Star<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cosmic Energy Harvester<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spider Bots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jetpacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self-heating Sleds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Range Rovers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cable Cars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ice Plows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nuclear Power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hydro Power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solar Power<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">Most of these ideas were formed during a &#8220;worst ideas&#8221; challenge. Therefore, most of these ideas got abandoned pretty quickly. Although some of them seemed to be horrible choices at the time, they proved to be the stepping stone for our rover prototype.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">One undisputed idea was the usage of spiky wheels because they would be an optimal choice on the icy surface of Enceladus. The spikes provide extra grip, preventing slippage on smooth or sloped surfaces, and can pierce through loose ice or snow for added stability. Combined with a durable and flexible suspension system, spiky wheels would allow vehicles to traverse areas like fissures easily.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized is-style-rounded is-style-rounded--1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/0e572a35-c80b-4cd3-8d36-f02656f66b9c.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-391\" style=\"width:453px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/0e572a35-c80b-4cd3-8d36-f02656f66b9c.webp 1024w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/0e572a35-c80b-4cd3-8d36-f02656f66b9c-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/0e572a35-c80b-4cd3-8d36-f02656f66b9c-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/0e572a35-c80b-4cd3-8d36-f02656f66b9c-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">AI representation of this concept<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized is-style-rounded is-style-rounded--2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"894\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.17.30\u202fPM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-394\" style=\"width:539px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.17.30\u202fPM.png 894w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.17.30\u202fPM-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.17.30\u202fPM-768x416.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">AI representation of this concept<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">We also liked the idea of tank mobility as it can help navigate the difficult terrain on Enceladus. Tanks use a track to spread the weight evenly to prevent the vehicle from sinking into the ground. This is the opposite of what we want, so we altered our design to contain spiky wheels to help us stay on the ground despite the low gravity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">We also decided to use solar power despite being the worst in the context of Enceladus. Solar power is easily accessible in a Grade 10 classroom and requires less space, unlike nuclear power and hydro power.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized is-style-rounded is-style-rounded--3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"804\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.32.39\u202fPM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-395\" style=\"width:453px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.32.39\u202fPM.png 804w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.32.39\u202fPM-300x159.png 300w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-12.32.39\u202fPM-768x407.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 804px) 100vw, 804px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">AI representation of this concept<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Prototype<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">The purpose of the prototype is to assess the ability of our vehicle to travel through the rugged and icy landscape on Enceladus, while also testing the efficiency and the suspension system of the vehicle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Main Frame and Wheels<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"662\" src=\"http:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.16.12\u202fPM-4-1024x662.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.16.12\u202fPM-4-1024x662.png 1024w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.16.12\u202fPM-4-300x194.png 300w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.16.12\u202fPM-4-768x496.png 768w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.16.12\u202fPM-4-1536x992.png 1536w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.16.12\u202fPM-4-2048x1323.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"664\" src=\"http:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.29.41\u202fPM-1024x664.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-410\" style=\"width:618px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.29.41\u202fPM-1024x664.png 1024w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.29.41\u202fPM-300x194.png 300w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.29.41\u202fPM-768x498.png 768w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.29.41\u202fPM-1536x995.png 1536w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-30-at-1.29.41\u202fPM-2048x1327.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">The vehicle is equipped with eight wheels, with each wheel connected to individual servos that fit into specific slots on the vehicle. There are 8 wheels in total: 2 pairs of wheels on each side. Each pair is linked together via an axle, and this axle is attached to a suspension that provides cushioning for the vehicle. The suspension consists of a single spring positioned in the center of the axle, which is held in place by a locking mechanism to prevent the spring from detaching. This also ensures that the axle remains stable without undesired horizontal rotation. As explained before, the wheels are equipped with spikes, which will help the vehicle grip onto the icy terrain. Our design also needs add-ons like solar panels, motors, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide\">Motors<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">Motors are an essential part to actually making the vehicle move. I have created a basic arduino motor design on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tinkercad.com\/\">TinkerCAD<\/a>. However, there are multiple problems our team needs to face. Firstly, we need to somehow fit an Arduino UNO and breadboard on our vehicle. Secondly, we also need to use solar power instead of a 9V battery for one of our tests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-cb46ffcb wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1002\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-7.17.10\u202fPM-1002x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-7.17.10\u202fPM-1002x1024.png 1002w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-7.17.10\u202fPM-294x300.png 294w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-7.17.10\u202fPM-768x785.png 768w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/Screenshot-2024-11-29-at-7.17.10\u202fPM.png 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1002px) 100vw, 1002px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/unnamed-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/unnamed-1024x545.png 1024w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/unnamed-300x160.png 300w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/unnamed-768x409.png 768w, https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2024\/11\/unnamed.png 1090w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Testing Methodology (reasonable for Gr.10)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">Test 1:\u00a0Evaluate how effectively a vehicle&#8217;s suspension system handles a terrain resembling Enceladus\u2019s icy surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Materials Needed<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vehicle:<\/strong>\u00a03D printed prototype with motors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Simulated Surface:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>large tray\/board<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>plastic wrap with oil to mimic icy\/slippery conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>small rocks to create obstacles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measurement Tools:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>stopwatch to track vehicle performance\/speed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>camera to record vehicle\/environmental interaction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Procedure<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Setting up:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create the simulated icy surface by covering the tray\/board with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add small rocks beneath the plastic wrap to create an uneven surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place additional obstacles on top to further simulate Enceladus\u2019s terrain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Test Runs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drive the vehicle through the course multiple times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observe how the suspension system reacts to bumps, slopes, and obstacles.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Record Observations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the time for the vehicle to do the course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>areas of concern where the vehicle struggles\/gets stuck<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Analysis<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shorter times suggest better suspension performance and smoother navigation. Longer times suggest the opposite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">Test 2:\u00a0Assess the energy efficiency of the vehicle by quantifying its performance the terrain using only solar-generated power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Materials Needed<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Light Source:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>strong desk lamp, LED spotlight, or flashlight to simulate sunlight. Multiple sources can be used to vary intensity of light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vehicle:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3D printed prototype with motors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>small weights to simulate payload<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Terrain:<\/strong> same setup as the mobility test<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measurement Tools:<\/strong> multimeter to measure voltage and current generated by the solar panel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Procedure<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Setting Up:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reuse the terrain setup from the mobility test.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place the light source(s) above the solar panels to simulate sunlight exposure.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Test the Vehicle:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start the vehicle at the beginning of the course and turn on the light source.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drive the vehicle through the course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat Step 2 but with different variables(light intensity\/weight added).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Data Collection<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Measure the total energy generated by the solar panel during the run.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example: If the panel produces 1.2 W and the vehicle runs for 5 minutes (300 seconds), the total energy is 1.2 \u00d7 300 = 360 Joules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measure the total distance the vehicle covers during the course.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calculate energy efficiency: Efficiency% = (Work\u00a0Done\/Input\u00a0Energy) \u00d7 100<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Analysis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Observe where and when the vehicle consumes more\/less energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compare energy consumption with and without additional weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine the minimum light intensity required for efficient movement and whether it is possible on Enceladus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.542), 1.2rem);\">Both tests focus on the vehicle\u2019s design and performance, making them well-suited for Grade 10 students like us. These experiments allow us to focus on improving the design itself in CAD and Arduino without needing access to expensive materials. While the tests try to simulate Enceladus&#8217; conditions, factors such as temperature and cosmic radiation are impossible to recreate in the classroom. As such, our team will strive to improve the vehicle and hopefully conduct an experiment in more realistic conditions later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">AI was used in this blog post: <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1E3dW-FBHd1I-LFfaVTZCAfqpN7J9oRjy0VkzNsI0sfA\/edit?usp=sharing\">TRANSCRIPT<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons alignwide is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3576d976 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-25 has-custom-font-size is-style-fill has-medium-font-size\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/\">Back to Home<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignfull has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hello all! This is a continuation of the Enceladus project, where my team&#8212;Roy Zeng,&nbsp;Joshua Chen and me&#8212;will be simulating a trip to Enceladus for scientific purposes. This blog post will outline our ideation and prototyping process to solve our problem statement. A team of astronauts must travel 10 kilometers on Enceladus safely while combatting the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-astronomy"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/384","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=384"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":415,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/384\/revisions\/415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stgeorges.bc.ca\/felixh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}