RESIDENTIAL TRIP T O CANTERBURY The residential trip was a three day trip designed to get us started with the making of the project. However, there was also a lecture in the morning to explain the layout of the university and who we would be able to ask for assistance with any machines or specific needs. Before we left for Canterbury, we already had a clear idea of what we wanted to do. Our main aims were:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Calculate the mass distribution, centre of mass and buoyancy Research into suitable modelling materials for the construction of the scale model Construct the scale model as accurate as we could Test materials for a buoyancy aids CAD Drawings of the tower
However, as we tackled these, the testing of the flotation devices was not completed as we didn’t have enough materials to test and so decided to leave this until we returned home and had completed the model.
The calculations for the mass distribution, centre of mass and buoyancy were obviously our major priority and little other than the structure could be produced before these were done, so half of our team set off and spent the majority of the first day working on these tasks. For further details into the exact methods and numbers involved in this please view the ‘Mathematics Behind the Design,’ which works through all the calculations involved in this and the rest of the design process. Research into Suitable Materials for the Model:
As we began to plan the model, quick attention was drawn to the fact that it would have to replicate the real thing in the water. This would mean that we should try to replicate the thicknesses and densities of each section. Upon research, it was found that aluminium had a density of 2700kg.𝑚𝑚−3 3 and so would suit our needs for the high density concrete that was
2500kg.𝑚𝑚−3 4. Similarly we found that PVC had a density of 1400kg.𝑚𝑚−3 5 which was relatively close to the lower density concrete at 1800kg.𝑚𝑚−3 6. This at the time seemed like a good idea until we realised that although these had similar densities, the thickness of each would be hard to match. We decided then to use these materials but to also used added masses internally which would help reproduce the same centre of mass.
After these conclusions were made, we decided to find the best matches that we could for the items that we needed. We realised that the university had an abundance of aluminium and we also found some PVC. However, the only PVC tube that we could find to make the central cylinder was 10.4cm instead of 8cm. This is the only area of the plan which was not accurately represented in the model.
Engineering Education Scheme: The Report | Residential Trip to Canterbury
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