Science Fair 2017-2018

Engineering Project Proposal

1. Name of principal investigator (you):
Moustafa El-Mattrawy + Nathan Lyday

2. Name(s) and credentials of adult collaborator(s):

Ben Hurst(smart one/Owns an electric go-kart company/GT graduate)

3. Contributions of adult collaborator(s):

In one or two sentences, briefly summarize how each collaborator contributed to this project.
Ben will provide the tools necessary, and advice along the way.

4. [Engineering Proposal​]

Below, write an introductory statement including:

a) (1-2 sentences) What problem are you solving/What are you building/ improving? (include
key design criteria)

b) (1-2 sentences) Relevance: Why does anyone care/how is it relevant to real life?

c) (1-2 sentences) Context: Describe a related example from your research.

You can write about each of these items in any order.

We are building a go kart with regenerative brakes, and with these special brakes we hope to
increase battery life by returning electricity to the battery. Our goal is to make an efficient go-kart
that can get 3 minutes of extra run time via the regenerative brakes and go at least 10 mph
while weighing under 70 pounds. The relevance of this project is arguably at an all time high due
to electric cars becoming more popular. In addition, this project will further display the
effectiveness of alternate power sources especially to our peers (Horst, 2017). There are many
examples of electric cars on the market at the moment, but one major example is the Tesla
Model S. The Model S exemplifies the effectiveness of electric cars through its superior handling
and its regenerative braking feature, similar to what we have planned for our go-kart braking
(Horst, 2017).
Your statement should be well-written (grammar and spelling).
There should be APA-style parenthetical citations for b) and c). ​Click here for formatting guide
and examples​.
5. Design criteria
What are the goals of your product? What criteria will it need to fulfil to be successful?
Design criteria are requirements you specify that will be used to make decisions about how to build
and evaluate your project. Some examples are shape, size, weight, speed, ruggedness, and ease of
manufacture.
Add as many rows as you need.
criteria reasoning (briefly explain) How will you test or measure it?

Weight Axels have a specific weight limit, and With a scale

Under 70 pounds if the go kart is too heavy, it won't be
able to reach high speeds
Speed 10 miles an We will use a Speedometer and test
hour We want to be able to go at a decent the speedometer before hand to make
speed in order to make a good sure it is accurate
alternative to walking and running

We want the We want to make sure that our go

regenerative kart can help prove that their are
brakes to give better alternative energy sources and How much farther the go kart goes
3 minutes more of that it can be used efficiently without generators compared to how
runtime to the go far it goes with generators
cart

Turn radius 7ft We want to be able to have relatively

sharp turns in order to maximize
safety while in it and fuel efficiency We will drive in a circle with the back
because the more turn radius you outer wheel being covered in chalk so
have then the more ground you will then we can measure the
have to cover using more battery circumference because it will be seen
Run time 20 with the chalk
minutes We want to be able to have enough
time to do lots of tests per charge. So
we don't have to waste lots of time
charging the go kart during our test We will use a stopwatch and do the
days while we could be getting as tests on a parking lot with the same
many tests done as possible. Also it conditions each time we do it
would kinda suck if we didn't have a
enough time to go to places nearby
and back

Brake time 2 We want it to be at least 2 seconds

seconds because anymore would be unsafe for We will use a stopwatch as well for
the driver. Also if it was more we testing this and we will conduct it
could run into other cars and possibly many times in order to get the most
any other obstacles that may be accurate time
 nearby

6. Design constraints
Constraints are factors that limit you. Some typical constraints are cost, time, and knowledge; legal
issues; natural factors such as topography, climate, raw materials; and where the product will be
used. Good designs will meet important design criteria within the limits fixed by the constraints.
Add as many rows as you need.
constraints reasoning (briefly explain)

Money We need to make sure that the materials that we get fit within our
budget. Because if not then we will have to make significant
design changes

A Proper Testing Area

As of now, we do not have a certain testing area due to the
legalities of building a vehicle + property laws

Safety We will have to use advanced welding techniques in order to

reach optimal safety requirements. Also we are not sure if
including a seat belt would be a good idea because if we have a
seat belt and the go kart does somersaults down a hill it would be
more dangerous to be strapped in rather than just being ejected.

Legal issues We found out that it would be illegal to ride a go cart on a

sidewalk. This will restrian us to testing the go kart to a very few
select areas and even at those select areas we aren't sure if we
need a licence or not to drive the go kart there.

7. Design brief
This should be a concise and clear statement of the objective of this project. It should include the key
design criteria (and often it should also include relevant constraints).
The go kart that we want to make should hopefully meet certain criteria such as going ten
miles an hour, and being under 70 pounds. Another objective we have is to have our car
gain 3 minutes more runtime with the regenerative brakes. Also other criteria we want is
to have a turn radius of seven feet, a runtime of 20 minutes, and a brake time of 2 seconds.
Sadly the constraint for this project is getting the funds to buy the materials needed to
complete the job we want, and a proper testing ground in order to have a good track for
getting all of our data. Unfortunately, another constraint is the the safety of the user and in
order to achieve this we will have to use advanced welding techniques in order to reach
optimal safety requirements. Also we are not sure if including a seat belt would be a good
idea because if we have a seat belt and the go kart does somersaults down a hill it would be
 more dangerous to be strapped in rather than just being ejected. Lastly legal issues are a
constraint, because we found out that it would be illegal to ride a go cart on a sidewalk.
This will restrian us to testing the go kart to a very few select areas and even at those select
areas we aren't sure if we need a licence or not to drive the go kart there.

8. Annotated drawing
Below, put a diagram showing the plans you have for your design. You may hand-draw and upload a
good picture, or create your diagram digitally. Label and annotate your illustration to identify key
parts and functions.

*You have to double click on the picture

1. Rim
a. Holds the tire in place
b. Creates an atmosphere between the tire and the rim to keep the tire pressure
c. Transfers rotational movement to tires
2. Tire
a. Allows for grip to road
3. Steering Spindle
a. Transfers rotation of steering Column to wheels
4. Bearings
a. Allows the wheels to spin while being attached to the axel
5. Battery
a. Gives electrical energy to the motor
6. Wires
a. Allows for transfer of electrical energy
7. Control Box
 a. Allows for different settings on the motor such as variable speed and braking
8. Motor
a. Spins + provides rotational energy for axel
9. Steering Column
a. Transfers rotational movement from steering wheel to spindles
10. Frame
a. Provides structural integrity + rigidity to Go kart
11. Kingpin
a. Allows for wheels to turn w/o disrupting their rotational energy
12. Weld Seam
a. Holds the frame and other parts together
13. Chair
a. Provides a place to sit for the driver
14. Steering Wheel
a. Allows the driver to turn the vehicle from the seat
15. Pedal
a. Throttle
i. Accelerates the kart
b. Brake
i. Slows down + stops the kart
16. Sprocket
a. Allows for a place for the chain to sit
b. Provides different gear ratios for different torques, rpms etc.
17. Chain
a. Transfers rotational energy from motor to axel via sprockets
18. Brake Disc
a. Allows for an easy place to provide friction + stop the kart
19. Axel
a. Transfers rotational movement from motor to wheels
20. Floor
a. Provides a place for the parts to be mounted
b. Provides a place for the driver’s feet

9. Building Plans:
Below, in as much detail as possible, describe the steps you will take to build your project and test it
for success.
The steps we will do to build the go kart would be to first figure out where to place our wheels in order to
build the rest of the frame around them. Then, we would sketch out a design with some rough measurements
for the frame. Then we would see how realistic and effective our design plan is. We would check with our
adult collaborator, Ben Hurst, because he knows everything to know about go karts, so everything on paper
looks like it is in order. Also after Ben gives us feedback we will know which materials we need to get in
order to build the go kart. Next we would make sure we have the right tools to build our go kart, and tools we
would need is a welder and a angle grinder. Next we would buy the materials we need at home depot or
lowes to get all the metal tubing needed. Also with Ben Hurst’s feedback for what materials to get we can go
to various other websites to buy online what parts we need. Once when we have the materials and tools in
one place we will start building. The building process will take place in Ben Hurst’s facility and gradually as
we build he will give us pointers and tell us things that we are doing wrong. The first part we will build will
be the frame of the Go kart. The way we will build this is by using the angle grinder to cut the steel tubing to
the length needed and connect them to each other with the welder to eventually create a frame for the
vehicle. Once the frame is assembled we will figure out where the most difficult/important components to
place will go. After we have figured out the location for all of our components, we will install brackets onto
the frame in order to mount them. After we have everything’s location marked out, we will dry assemble the
go-kart to double check all of the fittings. Next we will take all of the components off of the go-kart and paint
the go-kart. Finally, we will reinstall everything with the paint on and the Go-kart will be ready for testing.

If you are using parts of a protocol or procedure you found in your research, you need to cite it (APA
parenthetical citation) as well.

10. Materials:
If you will need to acquire materials (not for the display board), fill in this table.
Add as many rows as needed.
material where are you going to get it from? Approximate cost

Steel tubing Will be provided by Ben Hurst $0

Tires Go power sports $33 per tire 4 tires would

equal $132
Rims Ebay $25.95 for two but 4 rims
would be $51.90
nuts Home depot 25 nuts $2.70
Bolts Home depot 25 bolts $6.25
washers Home depot 50 washers $7

Steering spindles Ben Hurst $0

Seat Ben hurst

$0
Chain I have an old bike which I will $0
repurpose the chain
Sprockets Go power sports $39 each we need two so it
equals $78

Axels Ben hurst Made of steel rods Will be provided by Ben $0

Batteries Already have $0
Motor Already have $0
Pedals made of steel from Ben $0
Steering wheel Go Power sports $24.50
King pin bolts Go power sports 1.99 for one $3.98 for two
Sheet metal Home depot 10.48 for one 31.44 for
three of them
King pin brackets Go power sports ​$4.95 for one  
$9.90 for two 
 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF MATERIALS​: $​347.63

11. Location(s):
Where will you build and test? Do you need permission to use the space?
If your project does not need a location, write “none” below.
Add as many rows as needed.
location option permission from whom?

Eddy motor works (building) The owner

In church parking lot (testing) Worker from the church

12. S​ afety:
If you are handling any potentially hazardous tools or materials, list them below and indicate the
safety precautions you plan to take. Add as many rows as needed.
If you are not using any potentially hazardous materials, write “none” below.
material Safety precautions

Angle grinder Goggles, gloves, ear protection,

Welder Safety mask, gloves, long sleeve shirt

13. Ethics:
Please put an x in the appropriate space below and complete the instructions that apply to you:
I am testing people. I have completed the ​human subjects [link to your completed
ethics form​ (paste the link in this table, in column to the form here. Be sure it is in
right) your Biology folder]

I am testing non-human vertebrate animals. I have [link to your completed

completed the ​vertebrate animal ethics form​ (paste the form here. Be sure it is in
link in this table, in column to the right) your Biology folder]

X I am not testing people or other vertebrate animals

14. Subjects:
If you are using human or other subjects to test your project, indicate below.
If your project does not have test subjects, write “none” below.
Add as many rows as needed.
Test subjects Help or permission from whom?

none none
 15. Time Frame:
In the Calendar below, identify probable dates for key procedure steps.
Note green marks Winter break and orange marks Excursion.

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

8 9
Proposals
should be
approved

10 11 12 13 14 15 16
finalizing finalizing finalizing finalizing finalizing Building
design design + design design design
+Materials Materials +Materials +Materials +Materials

17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Building Building Building Building Building Building
Building

24 25 26 27 28 29 30
vacation vacation vacation vacation vacation vacation vacation

31 1 2 Building 3 BUilding 4 Building 5 Building 6 Building

vacation vacation

7 Building 8 Excursion 9 excursion 10 11 Building 12 Building 13 Building

excursion

14 15 Building 16 Building 17 Building 18 Building 19 Building 20 Building

Building

21 Building 22 Building 23 Building 24 Building 25 Building 26 Building 27 Building

28 Building 29 Building 30 Building 31 Building 1 Building 2 Building 3 Building

4 Building 5 Building 6 Building 7 Building 8 Building 9 Testing 10 Testing

11 12
Data is due
 16. Data Table:
Part of design is knowing exactly what kind of data you will collect and being prepared with a data
table for documenting it.
In your Biology folder, create a Google sheet and prepare it for your data (label the columns
appropriately to be ready to fill in your observations and measurements). Be sure to consider:
a. It is a good practice to include dates, times, and locations in your table.
b. Also bear in mind the number of groups and repeated measures you have.
c. Generally you should have space for both qualitative and quantitative observations
Put the ​link​ to the google sheet in the box below:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CPH7jFOdvyzBDgoxaCg8Bztzx9vRCLPqmPW0IwTZ5z0/e
dit#gid=0

17. References:
Put annotated APA citations below for any works referenced in this proposal.
Annotated means you include 1) the type of source, 2) how you found it, and 3) a meaningful
sentence or two for each element of the CRAAP test. This annotation is the same as what you did for
the ​citations/annotations assignment​.
References

Ben Horst, B. H. (2017). The electrocet [THE ELECTROCET]. Retrieved December 9, 2017, from

Eddy motor works website: https://www.eddymotorworks.com/

we found this website through Ben horst, our employer.

C The information we are using was published in 2017, the information has not been

revised or updated. The information is current, and the links work.

R The information directly relates to our topic and is great for seeing what criteria we

should aim for and answers our questions. The intended audience is for people wanting to

have their car turned into a electric car, and the level is advanced but still isnt hard

enough for us to understand, and since this source was recommended by someone we

didn't feel the need to check other sources

A The author is Ben Horst, the publisher is 2017 Eddy Motorworks, the source is a

website, and no sponsors. The author went to Georgia Tech, with no organizational
afflictions given, The author is qualifications are owning a business that does this and

going to school learning about cars.

A The Information comes from documenting and listing what the car is and what it does,

and is supported by me seeing the car itself and having him explain everything. I can

verify the information through other sources, and the language is unbiased.

P The purpose of the information is to inform potential buyer's about the product, and

the information is strictly facts. The information given is completely unbiased.

This source was found through having conversations and questions for Ben Horsts

Ben, Horst (Presenter). (n.d.). ​Assembly of go kart​. Speech presented at Eddy Motor

works, 334 N Clarendon Ave Atlanta.

C The information was published in 2017, the information has not been revised or

updated. The information is current, and the links he told us worked.

R The topic was related to our topic and answered a bunch of our questions, and the

intended audience was for people who were making a science fair project. The

information was for our level or at least was catered to, and we did look at other sources

to check his facts.

A The author and publisher was Ben Horst, the source was a interview, with no sponsors.

The author's credentials is him graduating from graduating from Georgia Tech, and has

a degree in mechanics.

A The information he recalls from is from experience, and is supported with examples

that he has given us. his information has been reviewed, and can be verified by other

sources to be true and unbiased.

P The purpose for this information is to inform to kids on how to make a go kart, and he

has no sponsors. His information is factual, and is unbiased.