CO2 Dragster Project Introduction

1. CO2 Dragster ProjectCO2 Dragster Project
Mrs. SeminatoreMrs. Seminatore
Oceanside Middle SchoolOceanside Middle School
TechnologyTechnology

2. About the ProjectAbout the Project
 Students will convert a wedged shape piece ofStudents will convert a wedged shape piece of
wood (about 12” in length) into a sleek racecarwood (about 12” in length) into a sleek racecar
body using hand and power tools. Paint, wheels,body using hand and power tools. Paint, wheels,
and decals are added to make the car raceand decals are added to make the car race
worthy.worthy.
 The cars speed down the track and cross theThe cars speed down the track and cross the
finish line in speeds of up to 50 mph.finish line in speeds of up to 50 mph.

3. About the Project ContinuedAbout the Project Continued
 Students will follow guidelines that areStudents will follow guidelines that are
given out by the teacher.given out by the teacher.
 Students will use the Design ProcessStudents will use the Design Process
when building their CO2 Dragster.when building their CO2 Dragster.

4. About the RaceAbout the Race
 2 Cars are set up2 Cars are set up
 Cars ride on guide wire from start of trackCars ride on guide wire from start of track
to end of trackto end of track
 Co2 cartridge is punctured propelling carCo2 cartridge is punctured propelling car
forwardforward
 Two cars raceTwo cars race
 Cars go through end gateCars go through end gate
 Light goes on for fastest carLight goes on for fastest car
 Race time is recorded for each carRace time is recorded for each car

5. Race Video
 co2 dragster race -Race

6. Race RulesRace Rules
 Let us review the CO2 Dragster rulesLet us review the CO2 Dragster rules
together.together.
 Upload your official CO2 Dragster RulesUpload your official CO2 Dragster Rules
on Edmodo. This sheet will then go intoon Edmodo. This sheet will then go into
Notability under the TournamentNotability under the Tournament
Rules/Rubric category.Rules/Rubric category.

7. Dragster Design ProcessDragster Design Process
 1) Understanding the problem or purpose1) Understanding the problem or purpose
 Problem Statement: Explain how you are going to solve your problemProblem Statement: Explain how you are going to solve your problem
 Knowing your limitations/specificationsKnowing your limitations/specifications
 Being aware of safety regulations, materials allowed, functionality,Being aware of safety regulations, materials allowed, functionality,
tournament regulationstournament regulations
 2) Brainstorm2) Brainstorm
 Sketch 5-10 different possible design ideas for Top View and Side ViewSketch 5-10 different possible design ideas for Top View and Side View
 3) Choose a solution3) Choose a solution
 4) Plan/Design4) Plan/Design
 Detailed Drawings, Details about materialsDetailed Drawings, Details about materials
 5) Modeling and Prototyping5) Modeling and Prototyping
 6) Test6) Test
 7) Analysis7) Analysis

8. Problem Statement
 Create the most efficient dragster to race
on a 32’ track following the CO2
tournament guidelines and
specifications to enter my car in the
race.
 EFFICIENCY: The relationship between
energy input and energy output.
 More efficient car = Less energy lost = More Power

9. Design Requirements
 See CO2 Dragster Rubric
 Follow Specifications for CO2 Dragsters

10. Length: 200-305mm

11. Width @ Back Axle:
35-42mm
Width @ Front
Axle: 30-
42mm

12. Minimum Width: 13mm
(Other than Axles)

13. Front tip: Can only
come to a point in
one view

14. 3mm Thickness
around CO2
Hole

15. What is a dragster?
 Dragster: A car that is aerodynamically
designed for speed
 Drag racing is a sport where cars and
motorcycles race down a track with a set
distance as fast as possible

16. Rail Cars Narrow
External Wheels
Body is Lower to the
Ground
Weighs less

17. Show Cars
 Stunning Design
 Creativity
 Showy Paint Jobs

18. COCO22 Powered DragsterPowered Dragster
What do we use to power our dragster?What do we use to power our dragster?
Compressed C02 – Carbon Dioxide

19. Carbon DioxideCarbon Dioxide
 Power is created by CO2 gas propulsion –Power is created by CO2 gas propulsion –
CO2 gas is in the metal cartridges.CO2 gas is in the metal cartridges.
 Plants use CO2 in photosynthesis to makePlants use CO2 in photosynthesis to make
carbohydrates.carbohydrates.

20. FrictionFriction
 Friction is a force that isFriction is a force that is
created whenever twocreated whenever two
surfaces move or try tosurfaces move or try to
move across each other.move across each other.
 On the CO2 car, frictionOn the CO2 car, friction
occurs:occurs:
 Between the wheels andBetween the wheels and
groundground
 Between the axles and carBetween the axles and car
bodybody
 Between the eye-hook andBetween the eye-hook and
fish-line trackfish-line track
How can we reduce friction?

21. Reduce FrictionReduce Friction
•Make sure the axle and tires are
free to rotate
•Make sure the wheels are not
rubbing on the car body
•Install eye-hooks properly