User:Cjcampo/ENES 100/Corn starch

Problem
Develop all the cornstarch demos:
 * Faraday Waves
 * Monsters
 * QuickSand

Document creation, and clean up processes so pipes are clogged.

Mechanisms of Transportation

 * -Swim
 * -Run
 * -Drive
 * -Hopping
 * -Suction
 * -Skiing/Gliding

Force

 * -Battery
 * -Combustion
 * -Stored Energy: Spring

Facilitating

 * -Speed
 * -Time

Defining Function, Concept and Architecture
The 'Cornstarch Walk' is, essentially, the ability of a machine to transport itself over a cornstarch and water mixture. The ideal non-Newtonian composition of this mixture is 1.6 units of Cornstarch to 1 unit of Water. The mechanisms of the machine, which, travels over the liquid will be determined through test trials. We have concluded, thus far, that weight sinks the machine immediately, there should be a platform used to give initial momentum to machine before reaching mixture's surface, and the surface area of machine plays a significant role in compliance to its movement. The concept the team has strategized is a moving mechanism that can obtain proper distance at a small enough budget and light enough associated weight.

Necessary system functions
Consistency of motion and speed resulting in distance over liquid foundation.

System concepts
The end result concepts, which were experimented with atop of this constarch-water mixture included: A walking, crawling and rotating method. The rotating methods were expressed in both a tire form, and a rotating wheel form.

Project cost and schedule
The project cost is in a $20 dollar budget frame. The group took on a slight over-budged in testing, already constructed, moving mechanisms for this challenge. In attempts of four variations of movement (vibration/hopping, walking, driving, and stepping), there were a number of discoveries which have allowed us to conclude that within this budget frame a mechanism can be produced that will float, but in terms of sufficient sources of energy may not be realistic.

Composing Ideal Non-Newtonian Cornstarch Mixture
Cornstarch Mixture How-To Materials: -Cornstarch -Water -Volume measuring device

Procedure: 1.) Add 1 cup of dry Cornstarch powder 2.) Then 2/3 cup add water 3.) Mix and knead with hands until all lumps or dry material is no longer present 4.) Test with hands, by lifting clumps of 'solid' cornstarch out of mixture and watch the rate, at which, it flows. 5.) Play in it! Notes: -Keep cornstarch to water ratio at 3 to 2 ratio (This ratio is versatile at any scale desired) -After prolonged usage, more water will need to be added to keep mixture workable -Also, cornstarch mixture will start to ferment and start stinking in about 2 weeks if not stored properly

Decomposing of Liquid Mixture Appropriately
Breaking Down Cornstarch Composition Procedure: 1.) When done with mixture, add water with hose to dilute its formation. Dispose of mixture either outside or in drain, but in choosing to use the drain as primary source, take into account that if the mixture is not 'watered down' enough it will form into a solid in the piping system. 2.) Slowly pour the mixture out adding double the amount of water to its current composition. 3.) Leave water running atop of the liquid, whether it is outside or in a pimping system, for an addition minute, so that the mixture does not catch and form into a solid, by chance. 4.) Alternatively, let the cornstarch dry outside and dump mixture into a trash bag, this is less accommodating to the environment, but, none the less, it is also an acceptable method of disposal. Here is associated Clean Up Video

Media
Here are linked examinations of Trial 1:  video video 2

Here are linked examinations of Trial 2: Trial 2: Walking Trial 2: Crawling Trial 2: Rotating Wheel

Next Steps
There are a number of variations in the next steps that can be taken, for this challenge. First, this project can be passed on as a tutorial for future experiments with other, already, powered sourced machines. In this conceive page, are documents expressing the steps to take in creating the ideal cornstarch non-Newtonian mixture, as well as, steps for its disposal. Another future step that can be made, at this point, is the design for a potentially practical machine. With the videos, provided, future engineers have the opportunity to conclude their own perceived flaws of the mechanics of the failed attempts and create a design which better enables both a method of floating while moving. This group has assembled a list of pros and cons to what, we, suggested were the most practical sources of power and mechanics. In attempting both speed and distance, we have learned what doesn't necessarily work. The next steps for this project are this: what does work.