DYNAMICS ASSIGNMENT

ME1301 – ENGINEERING MECHANICS

COURSE COORDINATER: GROUP NO. : 34

MS.DULINI YASARA GROUP MEMBERS : 21/ENG/142,

MUDUNKOTUWA 22/ENG/168,
22/ENG/169,
22/ENG/170,
22/ENG/171,
22/ENG/172

SUBMISSION DATE : 08/10/2023

INTRODUCTION

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This project's goal was to design, construct, and test a propelling mechanism for a simple drivetrain
that could go from the starting line to the 7-meter-long finishing line. In this competition the
winning car was the one that crosses the finish line in the shortest amount of time or the vehicle that
travels the farthest. Here we used energy conservation law and hooks’ law to make our drivetrain.

DETAILS OF THE DESIGN WITH DIAGRAM AND PICTURES

This drivetrain is constructed using a steel structure which comprises 4 wooden wheels. The wheels
have additionally been attached to flywheels made of steel. There are three springs connected to the
flywheels through threads. To move the drivetrain, mechanical energy from these springs is used.
This energy used is stored as elastic potential energy in the stretched spring. As the springs contract,
this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy that is used to rotate the flywheel. The flywheel
then helps in providing a steady energy flow for the wheels in this drivetrain.

PROPOSED DESIGN WITH SKETCHES

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 Figure 02 : Design of the drivetrain with sketches
1. Spring
2. Threads
3. Flywheel
4. Bearing
5. Weights
6. Metal body
7. Wooden wheel
8. Wooden block

DESIGN OF THE DRIVETRAIN

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Spring system

Springs were made of stainless steel and they are attached to threads. We used 3 springs in this
experiment to store and release mechanical energy. A force is applied to the springs to elastically
deform them. This energy is then stored in them as potential energy during their compressed
period. When the external force is removed or reduced, the spring starts to return to its equilibrium
position. As it does so, it releases the stored potential energy as kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is
gradually transferred to the surrounding mechanical system. In this case, the mechanical system
would be the drivetrain.

Flywheel

Since the energy release of the spring system is uneven and unreliable as it can be uneven, we have
made use of flywheels to transfer this unstable kinetic energy that is received by it to the wheels in a
steadier continuous manner. There are two flywheels in the front and back which attached to threads
that are used to transfer the energy from the springs to the mechanical system. We use steel flywheels
to get a significant inertia around them. Although we have to consume more energy to pull the
springs, when the drivetrain released, it is harder to stop because of this inertia. Hence the car moves
a longer distance with more consistent high speeds. We have also used a larger flywheel in the rear of
the car as it is more of a rear wheel drive car, and it increases both the force given to the rear wheels
and also improves the overall weight distribution of the car.

Wooden wheels

wheels were made of wood to reduce the inertia and for smooth movement they are covered with
double tapes in order to increase the friction between the wheels and the ground so that a burnout or
skid doesn’t occur.

Bearings

These mechanical components were used to reduce the friction and facilitate the smooth movement
of rotating or linear parts in various machines and equipment. The primary purpose of bearings was
to support the load while allowing for controlled motion with minimal friction.

Metal weights

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The drivetrain's weight distribution and inertia were enhanced using metal bars. Gaining weight has
considerable impacts on the performance the car. Some of them include dampening vibrations,
reducing noise in a drivetrain, ensuring the safety of the drivetrain, and maintaining smooth and
consistent operation of the drivetrain by resisting rapid changes in speed and direction. Without this
much needed inertia, the drivetrain's parts would react to inputs instantly, resulting in jerky,
unpredictable motion. Since we are giving more energy to the drivetrain via the rear wheels, placing
more weight towards the back end of the car, especially during acceleration helps to improve the
traction. This additional traction plays a major role in preventing the wheels from spinning out of
control, especially in slippery terrains in wet or moist conditions. It also enhances the cars stability
during this explosive acceleration initially to keep it moving in a straight line as desired.

Threads

Threads are the component that are used to transmit the springs energy to the flywheels. We used
Nylon threads for this project.

Steel structure

The structure of this drivetrain was made of steel to increase the weight of it to provide sufficient
downforce to the car so that a majority of the force is transferred to the ground, propelling the car
forward. It also helps in reducing the vibrations in the mechanism during the running of the vehicle,
as it slows down the vehicle by a considerable factor.

Figure 01 : Front view of the drivetrain

ENERGY CONSERVATION CALCULATIONS

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Using energy conservation law for the drivetrain was bit challenging process as there were many
unknown variables such as, friction of the bearings and other components, and problems with
accurately calculating the spring constant of the springs that were different in nature and also the
friction constant of the floor depends on where we run the drivetrain . Even still, the law of
conservation of energy can be used to predict about the motion of the drivetrain. During the
operation, the potential energy of the springs was converted to kinetic energy of the drivetrain and
work done against friction.

1 2 1 2
k x = m v + Fd + E
2 2

Where ,

1 2
k x =Elastic potential energy of springs
2

1 2
m v =mean kinetic energy of the drive train
2

Fd=Work done against friction

E = other energy losses

In here since all other energy losses and the work done by the friction is hard to calculate we had to
use another equation equating the elastic potential energy of springs to the starting kinetic energy of
the drivetrain.

1 2 1 2
k x = mv
2 2

Where,
1 2
k x =Elastic potential energy of springs
2

1 2
m v =initial kinetic energy of the drive train
2

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Mass of the drivetrain was measured in the laboratory using an electronic balance and
the Spring constant was given by the manufacturers. Using stop watch drive time was
measured.
Mass of the drivetrain = 2.5 kg
Spring constant = 33.8 Nm-1
Drive time = 4.36s
1 2 1 2
k x = mv
2 2

v=
√
k x2
m

v=
√ 1 m∗33.8 N m−1
2.5 kg

v = 3.677ms-1
As the end velocity of the drivetrain is 0 ms-1
( u+ v ) t
S=
2
( 3.677+ 0 ) m s−1∗4.36 s
S=
2

S = 8.01 m

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DISCUSSION
In this project we have assumed that the drivetrain moves in ideal situations. But it is not the same in
real case. There are frictional forces in components and some more reasons to deviate from the
estimated distance. When we keep loading the springs and move the drivetrain, Estimated distances
could be changed because of the changes in springs. Here are few reasons for deviations and
challenges we faced when making the drivetrain.

Spring Fatigue and Wear

The constant compression and expansion of springs over time can cause material fatigue, lowering
their effectiveness and perhaps resulting in mechanical failure. To minimize this problem, regular
spring replacement and proper maintenance are required.

Overloading and Stress

Overloading a spring can cause it to permanently deform or even break, endangering the safety and
functionality of the drivetrain. To avoid these failures, design considerations are essential, such as
using springs with the proper rating and including overload prevention devices .

Re-winding of the spring mechanism

The nylon threads that were used in the car were initially meant to be permanently attached to the
axle of the wheels. But the primary problem we ran into while making the project was the issue of the
string winding around the axle again after the initial relaxation of the spring, slowing down the car
and eventually making the axle spin in the opposite direction making the car go in reverse. The way
we had overcome this issue was by creating a separation mechanism for the threads from the axle in
such a way that the threads would disconnect from the main axles right after the initial wind has been
used up. We have achieved this by passing the string through the axle and having it be undone when
all the turns around the axle have been undone and the string is parallel to the horizontal lateral axis
of the car.

Damping and Control

Controlling the pace of energy transfer or managing oscillations can be challenging in some
drivetrain applications. Inadequate damping can cause instability, diminished effectiveness, and
vibrations.

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Compatibility with Other Components

Compatibility issues can arise when spring-based drivetrain components are combined with
additional components including gears, bearings, and couplings. Incorrect alignment or misaligned
parts can result in higher wear, decreased efficiency, and even damage to the drivetrain as a whole.

Material Selection:

The performance and longevity of springs depend greatly on the material selection. Inappropriate
materials can cause corrosion, early wear, and shortened spring life. Materials that are appropriate for
the intended use and operating circumstances must be carefully chosen by engineers.

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COST ESTIMATE
Item Unit price (Rs.) Number of Items Total cost (Rs.)
Springs 160 3 480
Threads 120 1 120
Rubber bands 40 1 40
Fly wheel 320 2 640
Bearing 60 4 240
Steel for structure 1350 1 1350
Wooden wheels 70 4 280
Wooden blocks 25 4 100
Welding 800
Total cost Rs. 4050

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INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION OF TEAM MEMBERS

Index Number Student Name

21/ENG/142 T.M.P.G.R.THENNAKOON
22/ENG/168 ISHFAQ A.A.M
22/ENG/169 PERERA M.M.S
22/ENG/170 KAUSHALYA B.H.N
22/ENG/171 RAZEEN M.A.M
22/ENG/172 K.P.S.S.M.D.S.S. FERNANDO

21/ENG/142

Helped making the structure of the drivetrain and finding necessary equipment. Worked with trial
sessions.

22/ENG/168

Helped by drawing and labelling figures of the top view and front view of the car. Helped during
brainstorming sessions and test run sessions.

22/ENG/169
Master mind of making the drivetrain. Engaged with making the drivetrain, Finding the tools and also
in trial sessions.

22/ENG/170
Made the report, measured relevant parameters and helped in trial sessions. Engaged with making the
drivetrain.

22/ENG/171
contributed to the designing and construction of the body of the drive train. Also helped with solving
the issues that arose when thinking of ideas for the mechanism.

22/ENG/172
Contributed in designing and construction processes. Helped to make the report and solved the issues
in the report.

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Mech Makers’ fair

Team Bandits

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REFERENCES

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calculate-w-units-formula-13720806.html (accessed Sep. 19, 2023).

[2] “How to Calculate Spring Constant,” Easy To Calculate, https://easytocalculate.com/how-to-

calculate-spring-constant/ (accessed Sep. 19, 2023).

[3] “What is elastic potential energy? (article),” Khan Academy,

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/work-and-energy/hookes-law/a/what-is-elastic-
potential-energy (accessed Sep. 19, 2023).

[4] Admin, “Elastic Potential Energy Formula with Examples,” BYJUS, https://byjus.com/elastic-
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[6] “Law of conservation of energy,” Law of conservation of energy - Energy Education,

https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Law_of_conservation_of_energy (accessed Sep. 19,
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[7] “Spring Durability & Spring Fatigue,” European Springs,

https://www.europeansprings.com/springs/technical-information-springs/spring-durability/
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[8] “Compression Springs: How To Calculate Spring Stress,” Tokai Spring industries, Inc.,
https://www.tokaibane.com/en/spring-design/compression-springs-stress (accessed Sep. 19,
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[9] “How car springs and dampers work,” How a Car Works,
https://www.howacarworks.com/basics/how-car-springs-and-dampers-work (accessed Sep. 19,
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[10] “Chapter 22 Materials Selection and Design Considerations - Photograph showing the
components of an,” Studocu,
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20, 2023).

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