Analysis of Motor and Spool System

Lab 4

Lucas Dibelius
ME 223-01
9.14.18
 Dibelius 1

Introduction:

The purpose of this lab was to conduct an experiment on the loading and relative time

taken for a lifting system to haul a mass over a specified vertical distance. Given a range of

masses, as well as a lifting motor with variable spool diameters, my team was tasked with

creating a predictive math model for the system using our calculated values for torque and

angular velocity of the system. The goal of this math model was to predict the time necessary to

lift an input weight and an input spool diameter to the full height used in the experiment.

Approach:

For this lab, we used an Arduino UNO ReV 3 unit and circuit, a motor and spool

assembly, a power supply, weights ranging from 10g to 100g, a stopwatch, and a tape measure.

First, we correctly set up our Arduino unit and circuit, as well as our motor and decided that we

would be using a height of 139cm. Then we adjusted our potentiometer to provide enough power

to lift the heaviest weight, while still maintaining a smooth pull on even the smallest weight. It

was in this step of our approach that we determined the function of the potentiometer was to

control the amount of torque output by the motor. Next we conducted all of our trials; using three

sets of three trials, each changing the spool diameter and weight, while recording the time it took

for the motor to pull each of those weights. After we completed our trials, we used our data to

calculate the linear velocity, the angular velocity, and the torque, outputting our results into

Table 11.

After completing all the aforementioned steps, I used the Matlab software to create the

math model. First, I input the torque and angular velocity values into vectors T and W, graphing

1
Table 1 can be found in Appendix.
 Dibelius 2

T vs. W in a plot, Figure 12. From this data, I was able to extract a linear line of best fit for our

data that I would use for the rest of the script: y=−0.0674 x+ 8.38

Analyzing the relationship between torque and angular velocity, I found that as torque increases,

angular velocity decreases.

Concerning the math model, we were tasked with creating a predictive function inputting

weight and diameter of the spool, and outputting the time necessary to lift the specified weight to

our experimental height of 139 cm. Furthermore, we were asked to determine the power output

of the motor. To begin, I created a function named ‘Time_Calc’, which inputs mass in grams and

diameter in cm, and outputs the data into the torque variable. Then, I set the torque variable to

the input mass multiplied by half the diameter input. Next, I had a statement for the user to input

the height they wanted to use, followed by the equation mentioned early relating the torque and

angular velocity. I output that resultant into variable y and then used y to calculate linear

velocity. After knowing the height and linear velocity, I wrote a statement equating the time

taken, to height divided by linear velocity. Finally, I added the power calculation using the mass

input and linear velocity variable3.

Results:

After reviewing and debugging my code several times, I am confident that I have a well

finished function that can take user inputted mass and diameter values for the system, and output

a time calculation that matches the calculated line of best fit. I believe that this is very accurate to

our experimental data. However, the time to perform the lift for any combination, sometimes

outputs a negative value. I believe this is because the motor would not actually be able to lift the

specified mass for the given spool diameter, and thus returns false data. From the relationship
2
Figure 1 can be found in Appendix.
3
Script 1 can be found in Appendix.
 Dibelius 3

and equation we calculated for torque vs angular velocity, we can answer the third question of

the lab; if we used this same motor to power a lever arm 2.5 inches long or 6.35 (assuming that

the torque of moving the arm is the same as the spool), we could only lift approximately 20g.

Considering this, if our mass was 50g, this motor would not be suitable for the job.

Review:

Overall, I believe that my solution and computed results are accurate given the relatively

minimal data collection. Considering that our experiment is merely a model designed to provide

a realistic understanding of the system, I believe my group did the best we could we data

collection. Although there were most likely errors in our measurements, we still gathered

valuable data. Pertaining to the math model, I think that the stated goal was reached; I was

accurately able to create a function inputting mass and spool diameter, while outputting the time

required to achieve the desired height constraint.

Appendix
 Dibelius 4

Table 1:

Diameter Velocity, ν Angular Velocity, ω Torque, Τ

Spool # (mm, cm) Mass (g) Time (s) (cm/s) (rev/s) (g*cm)

1 20, 2 20 3 46.3 7.37 20

1 20, 2 50 4.6 30.2 4.81 50
1 20, 2 100 14 9.9 1.58 100
2 30, 3 10 2 69.5 7.37 15
2 30, 3 20 2.3 60.4 6.41 30
2 30, 3 50 4.3 32.3 3.43 75

3 40, 4 10 1.6 86.9 6.92 20

3 40, 4 20 2.2 68.8 5.47 40
3 40, 4 50 6.3 22.1 1.76 100

Figure 1:
 Dibelius 5

Script 1: