Define a problem
Goals: To create a truss that can support a lot of force, relatively light, and easily built..
Generate concepts
the breaking point and force was not expected as it broke on the left side of the joint. Briggs and I discussed and thought it would break on the middle beam as that should experience the most amount of pressure. But we were wrong to our surprise.
Static determinacy did not really affect our designs as we based off our design with static determinacy then support. We kept it in mind as we were making our designs. Ultimately, it did affect our design to a degree because we could not make any design we wanted, it had to fit certain constraints to make it viable.
We assumed the center beam would hold the most force but it came out to be 0 Newtons. Which surprised us because it would be directly underneath the posing load. We estimated it would hold maybe 15 to 20 Newtons per gram. We were happy it was higher.
We assumed the center beam would hold the most force but it came out to be 0 Newtons. Which surprised us because it would be directly underneath the posing load. We estimated it would hold maybe 15 to 20 Newtons per gram. We were happy it was higher.
Develop a solution
Construct AND TEST PROTOTYPE
Evaluate solution
The second truss is better as it has a higher efficiency and could resist more force. Even though the second truss was heavier it outranked the first truss even when weight is taken into consideration.
present solution
First Picture: Our truss after we tested it and where the breaking point was.
Second Picture: Our truss when we were testing it, right before it was going to break.
Third Picture: Our truss when we were in the middle of building it and designing it.
Second Picture: Our truss when we were testing it, right before it was going to break.
Third Picture: Our truss when we were in the middle of building it and designing it.
Conclusion
Our truss did fail at the member that experienced most stress. I think it failed there because the member had the least amount of support compared to the other members.
I think I really liked our design so I would keep it relatively the same but instead look at where the truss failed and see if we can add any support members or maybe shift the joint closer to the weaker member.