Co2 Lightest Car Design Project

Define the problem
The problem for this design project was that we had to construct a CO2- powered dragster to specific specifications. These specifications were in the lengths, shape, and weight of the dragster.
Research
To prepare for this build we had a few days to research, brainstorm, and decide a design for our dragster. To research my partner and I mostly used the internet to look at examples and other dragster projects. We also researched how we could make the car aerodynamic and fast.
Brainstorm
Choose
We chose to build the smallest design we had. We did this because in our research we discovered that the lightest car would be able to travel at the fastest speed.
Build
We built our dragster by making a prototype out of styrofoam first. After doing that we drew lines where to make cuts on the wood and used the saw to make the cuts. After that we sanded down edges to make a smooth surface. We had difficulty making good cuts with the saw we used. Our cuts were not very straight or smooth. If we were to do it differently (which we got the chance to) I would have taken more time in drawing and measuring the lines to cut. I also would have used the table saw more and cut more carefully.

Test …show more content…
From there we lined up the dragsters two at a time and set them off down the hallway. We had one classmate record the finish, one record the speed, one start the race, and one determine the winner. The first car we made unfortunately broke on it's first run, but hit a very high speed of 42 mph! The second car we made finished 2nd place in the tournament. Our overall test results were very successful in our