Description of Analysis
In the analysis of the balsa wood bridge, the types of subjects that will be used to analyze the project will include elements from statics, mechanics of materials, and dynamics. Mostly statics and mechanics of materials will be used in the analyses since the bridge is stationary, and that it will be subject to loads and objects on its deck. Dynamics will only cover the articulation system since that's the only part of the bridge that will have moving parts.
Scope of Analysis and Evaluation
The scope of the testing and evaluation covered in the project will be what’s stated in the criteria, which includes having a “vehicle” traversing the bridge, the articulation being able to raise the road deck, the bridge resting on the abutments, 10 grams allowing a gap for 20 lb. paper, supporting a load between 18.9 kg to 20 kg, and the weight of the bridge being below 85 grams.
Summary of Analysis
There were many types of analyses that were covered throughout the design process of the bridge. Much of it revolved around certain requirements that the bridge had to fulfill when testing. These include analyzing the forces affecting the bridge when under load, which are displayed below as Analysis 1a and Analysis 1b. Another analysis looked into the articulation system for the bridge, relating to the weight of the bridge and the amount of force needed to lift both the road deck and the bridge itself (which also determines the amount of fishing weights to keep it raised for about 10 seconds). Other types of analyses that were done include the friction of the road deck, the position of holes on the road deck for articulation, torque on the articulation mechanism, tension on the lifting cables, forces and torque on the pivot pin, weight of the bridge structure, etc. More details on these analyses can be found in the project report file on the Home Page.
Analysis 1a, "Truss Design"
Analysis 1b, "Truss Design with Forces"
Analysis 1, Page 1
Analysis 1, Page 2