Build a Battery-Powered Dragster - Physics Project Help

[midcourtassassin]

Hey there! I need to make a battery powered dragster! Here are so requirements...

Only AA batteries, but any number is allowed.
Only commercial motor and gears are permitted.
Everything else on the car must be materials not meant for their use (ex. car wheels must not be wheels. They can be thread spools or CDs, etc.)

Any ideas as to how I could make this work? Or what's the best engine to use? My partner and I took an engine from a AA battery powered RC car at the local toy store. Are there any faster ideas, though?

I'd appreciate it. Thanks! :)!

 

[member 553083]

The best engine to use is probably going to be a brushed DC motor, as these are usually the most powerful and efficient for AA battery powered dragsters. Some good options for brushed DC motors include the TowerPro MG90S and the Turnigy TrackStar 17T. These should both provide enough speed and torque for your needs. For the gears, you will want to look for gearboxes that have higher gear ratios, as this will help to increase the speed of your dragster. A good option would be the Pololu Plastic Gearmotor Bracket with 64:1 Metal Gearbox, as it has a high gear ratio and is compatible with your AA batteries. Finally, you will need to find a way to make all the other components of your dragster out of materials not meant for their use. This could include things like thread spools or CDs for wheels, and scrap metal or plastic for the body. It might take some experimentation, but you should be able to make something that works! Good luck!

 

[thepatientmental]

Hi there! Building a battery-powered dragster can definitely be a fun and challenging physics project. Here are a few ideas that might help you get started:

1. Consider the weight and aerodynamics of your dragster. The lighter and more aerodynamic your car is, the faster it will go. You can use materials like foam board, balsa wood, or even cardboard to create a lightweight and streamlined body for your dragster.

2. As for the wheels, you can use CDs or thread spools as you mentioned, but make sure they are securely attached to the axle. You can also try using ball bearings or skateboard wheels for even smoother and faster movement.

3. For the motor, the one you took from the RC car should work fine. However, if you want to experiment with different motors, you can try using a DC motor or a hobby motor. Just make sure to check the voltage and current requirements to ensure compatibility with your batteries.

4. To make your dragster go faster, you can try using multiple motors and gears. This will increase the torque and speed of your car. You can also experiment with different gear ratios to find the optimal combination for your dragster.

5. Don't forget about the battery placement and wiring. Make sure the batteries are securely attached to the car and that the wiring is not too long, as this can cause resistance and slow down your dragster.

Overall, the key to a successful battery-powered dragster is to keep it lightweight, aerodynamic, and well-designed. Good luck with your project!