QEA: Building a Stable Boat
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This was the first project of my Quantitative Engineering Analysis (QEA) course, a two-semester experimental course (16 credits total) that combines curriculum for Linearity 1 and 2, Mechanics, Dynamics, and Signals & Systems. The goal for this project was to model and fabricate a small boat that could float flat, move quickly, and have an angle of vanishing stability (AVS) between 120° and 140°. The unit started by providing background information on how boats could maintain stability even when tipping, then focused on the math and physics that would allow us to perform those calculations.
Applying these concepts—like using triple integrals to calculate the center of mass of a solid object—we took to Mathematica to model equation-driven surfaces of a variety of hull shapes. After tweaking variables until we found the most promising shape, we applied the math and physics we learned to calculate the boat's initial AVS. This told us how far down we would need to place the mass in our boat to get the AVS in the desired range. Using hull cross-sections generated by our Mathematica model, we designed the assembly skeleton of our boat in SolidWorks with the equation-driven curve tool. From there, we created an assembly that included our masses and used SolidWorks center-of-mass feature to calculate precisely where the center of mass was. We then laser cut and assembled our pieces and used heat-shrink plastic to make it watertight. |
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One of the most challenging parts of this project was the fact that we could not test our boats in the water before demo day. Relying only on our calculations and our boat's giraffe-like aesthetic, our boat—dubbed Camelopard the Water Zeppelin—floated with flying colors on demo day. Our calculated AVS was around 134° and was tested to have an AVS of 136°. Our boat was also the second-fastest in the class, moving through the water (with a consistent 1-newton pulling force) at a speed of 0.436 m/s. This project was one of my favorites in QEA because of the hands-on nature of applying such fundamental physics concepts. At the end of the project, Camelopard the Water Zeppelin earned a place of honor in the QEA display case where she remains to this day.
To read more about the math and physics that went into this project, view the final report here.
To read more about the math and physics that went into this project, view the final report here.