UNIT FIVE: Engineering & Technology Lab Questions

Trebuchet Throws High-Impact Groceries

1. How does the Shawn reduce the friction of the

trebuchet in the first video?
He reduces the friction by adding a plastic bearing. With this,
the two pieces of wood aren’t in contact so there’s no friction
between them.

2. How did Shawn increase the range on the trebuchet?

He added a string and a canvas bag. These material lengthens
the last wing of the structure so it works as an extension of the
arm.

3. How did Shawn figure out the dimensions of the

trebuchet?
He used the physics rules to figure out the dimensions of the
trebuchet. Thanks to them, Shawn was able to predict were the
fruit would arrive and how many time would pass before it landed.
Physic rules are used to make predictions so Shawn used them to
know which measures were needed to attain that a fruit was thrown
to a determinate place.

Building a Temporary Bridge from Cardboard

1. How did Shawn make sure cardboard could hold his

weight?
To ensure that the cardboard would be able to hold his weight, Shawn
arranged a prototype structure composed of many triangles. This type of
structures are very strong and distribute the weight equally.

2. What is load analysis?

A load analysis is a test were the engineer measures and tests if the real building (in this
case a bridge) is able to support the weight. In the video, the load analysis seemed to be
passed so Shawn was encouraged to do the final test.
3. What is the maximum reaction force at any joint? How did
Shawn figure that out?
The maximum reaction forced was 100p. He figured out it by testing the prototype
and using an app which helps engineers to know the maximum forces of a
construction starting from its sizes and materials.

Simulating a Wind Tunnel in the Garage

1. What is the starfish position? Why did they use this

position?
The starfish position is the proper body stand position. This position is
based on a person standing with his arms extended creating a 90º angle with
their body. This position only has a drag coefficient of 1. 5 with respect to air.

2. What is a drag coefficient? What was the drag coefficient at

the beginning of the experiment?
The drag coefficient is the one created by the force of the wind against
the force of the body of the person. It makes the person reduce his velocity or
even though make him go behind. The coefficient at the beginning of the
experiment was of 1.5.

3. How did Shawn change his stance to reduce his drag

coefficient? Now what was his drag coefficient?
He reduced it by banning the waist, bending the knees, putting the
ass up, his hands up at the front and the head up. Now the coefficient
was 0.5.

4. What else did Shawn do to reduce his drag coefficient? What

was his final drag coefficient?
To reduce even more his drag coefficient Shawn added a cardboard at
the point of the helmet where the drag coefficient was higher. The final
drag coefficient was 0.3.