In design teams of two students each, design, build, and test an EPV in the following steps:
- Inventory, measure and characterize the materials provided in the EPV kit Only these materials can be used, and only in the quantities provided in one kit.
- Brainstrom design ideas and construction methods, developing three concepts into sketches with comments regarding what materials will be used and how parts might be held together.
- Choose one concept. Produce a scale drawing and a list of specific construction steps. Also list and explain the design’s key performance features.
- Present the design and construction process to the class in a design review.
- Revise design details as desired based on review feedback. Concepts may not be changed at this stage—only details of the design and construction.
- Produce a final bill of materials that includes dimensions (and drawings as required) of each part (including any hole placements and a final construction plan.
- Build one egg into the EPV according to the plan in one class period. Spare materials will only be available to replace loss due to manufacturing error, not to revise any design issues.
- Submit the EPV for Controlled Parametric Tesing (CPT) in the next class period, after bonding agents have obtained full strength. EPV’s surviving the full altitude will advance to Adverse Conditions Testing (ACT) to identify the full extents of the design’s versatility and expected service life. Specifications of CPT and ACT follow on page 2.
- Document the results of the testing, summarizing the strengths and weaknesses it revealed in your final design and your design process.
EPV Kit of Materials:
¼ sheet of newspaper
2”X 2” tagboard
3 plastic drinking straws
1 large paper clip
20” string
4 cotton balls
1 Kleenex tissue
6” scotch tape
6 tooth picks, rectangular
Construction Equipment Set:
Scissors
Pointed needle
Elmer’s glud
x-acto knife
screwdriver
needle-nose pliers
blunt needle
