In this project, we had to solve a world problem with an engineered idea. My group decided to research the problem of air pollution. We found tons of information on this subject and then came up with solutions. In the end, we decided to design a MagLev system to eliminate traffic emissions. You can find our data and solution pages in our slide show or further down the page.
Slideshow
Air Pollution Data
The air is too polluted, and it is costing us too much money and causing too many deaths. We need to decrease the amount of these pollutants and make our planet a safer place to live. Major Pollutants: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. Other pollutants include ozone and particulate matter, which encompasses dust and smoke. The pollutants come from many places. Natural and human-made (anthropogenic) sources like combustion, construction, mining, agriculture and warfare contribute to pollution. Motor vehicle emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution.
Also, pollution can occur through natural occurrences, such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and spread by wind.
Also, pollution can occur through natural occurrences, such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and spread by wind.
The Solution
Our solution to air pollution was a MagLev train system. A maglev consists of multiple magnets lined up on the track that create a passive repulsive magnetic field underneath the train. In electromagnetic systems, there are electromagnets that would effectively pull the train forward, and they are active for short periods of time. MagLevs can accelerate at extremely high speeds with no friction because of the design. Our plan is basically to start making a MagLev system and then expand it around the world. For a more detailed description, please see our slideshow.
Prototypes
We made three prototypes to demonstrate our idea. We made a digital model which showed acceleration and design. We also made a 3d printed model to show a physical design. We also had a model using magnets to show levitation. The digital model isn't pictured here.
Concepts/What we learnedWe didn't use any physics concepts during this project, but I did learn a few things. First, we learned how a MagLev works, and how to design one. We had to make our own prototyes so we did quite a bit of research on this. I also learned how to better use the modeling program 3ds Max. I used 3ds Max to design our digital prototype and I had to look up things in order to figure out how to complete certain tasks in the program. I also further extended my knowledge on air pollution. During our project, the first few days were spent only on researching the problem.
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Reflection
I felt that this was a very succesful project. We all started with the same intentions, to stop air pollution. That was a peak, something that went well. Another peak was something I learned. During this project, I learned how to work with 3ds Max better and how a MagLev works. I used 3ds Max to create our digital prototype and there were things I had to learn in order to make our prototype, like how to move objects. One pit, something that could have went better, was working efficiently. We didn´t always do the most work we could do during each day. Another pit was working on the slideshow. We couldn´t find a set background to use and the slideshow didn´t look good. We had to re-do a lot of the slideshow in order to make it presentable. In the end, we made it all work though.