Constructing a Vehicle Powered by a Rubber Band:

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on constructing a vehicle powered solely by a size-10 rubber band to transport a 1 Kg weight over 10 meters without allowing the weight to shift position. Participants recommend using wheels with minimal surface area, such as LP records or AOL CDs, to enhance distance traveled. The original poster successfully implemented these suggestions, achieving a distance of 5 meters, significantly outperforming peers who used larger wheels. The optimal design emphasizes the importance of wheel size and surface area in maximizing performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanics and physics principles
  • Familiarity with materials suitable for lightweight construction
  • Knowledge of wheel design and friction concepts
  • Experience with rubber band propulsion systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of rubber band mechanics and energy storage
  • Explore advanced wheel designs for reduced friction
  • Investigate lightweight materials for vehicle construction
  • Learn about the principles of motion and stability in vehicle design
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, hobbyists, and educators interested in physics, engineering design, and practical applications of mechanical principles in creating simple machines.

atticus_grey
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A Rubber Band??

OK...i need your help people... i have to construct a vehical that can transport a 1 Kg weight over 10 meters using any materials i please...here's the catch: Its only source of power can be a size-10 rubber band! It can have no other source of power and it cannot be launched, and all pieces have to move with the vehical. One more thing: the weight cannot move. Please, anyone...HELP ME! ANY IDEAS?!?
 
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Ok you want something that can move a weight a certain distance but you are not allowed to move that weight. The problem seems to contradict itself.
 
Im sorry, i mistated myself: The weight cannot shift position on the vehicle- it must remain still on the vehicle while it travels.
For example: I cannot construct a vehicle that uses the swinging motion of the weight as a way to keep it in motion. It has to remain still on the vehicle.
 
I did something like this in grade 8 but it was powered by a mouse trap. The best way to get it moving a long distance is to use wheels with very very little area touching the floor. I'm thinking something along the lines of an LP record . Put 2 records as wheels and it'll roll a good 40m if you want it to.

If you don't have any garbage records, you could use some AOL CDs. They give them out for free at Staples :wink:
 
ShawnD: If you don't have any garbage records, you could use some AOL CDs. They give them out for free at Staples.

LOL

I have a couple here I'm using as coasters...
 
thanks for the wheel idea! it worked!
 
Thanks for the wheel idea people...its significantly incresed the distance of my vehical. Other students who tried wheels such as skate board wheels didnt go far at all because of too much surface area. My vehical went about 5 meters when others went about 1...if that. They had poor designs with large wheels. The farthest distance was 7.12 meters so that set the standard, therefore...im getting a good grade hahahaha
 

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