Co2 Dragster Research Papers

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Why do I Dragster? A question that at first may sound really weird. This question actually asks why would you want to race C02 cars. First, to understand what this is, lets start with the Basics. Co2 Dragsters as they are called are essentially small Race cars. They are propelled by a small Carbon Dioxide Cartridge in the back of the car. This cartridge is Pierced, and then releases the colorless and odorless gas. They are often used to demonstrate mechanical principles, such as Mass, Force, Acceleration, and Aerodynamics. Two screw eyes are attached to a string (usually fishing line).to keep the racer on the path. Most Co2 dragsters are carved out of balsa wood and or Basswood because of the light weight. Co2 dragsters are used in part …show more content…

Simply put, the less weight your dragster has, the faster it will go. This is the most important factor that will figure into your design. Keep it light! Friction: The second most important fact you'll face. Because the dragster has parts moving against one another, friction is created. You can help reduce it by making sure the axles are free to rotate, and that the wheels and tires are not rubbing on the car body. Drag: Here's where aerodynamics come into play. As an object moves through the air, it is met with air resistance as speeds increase. This air resistance pushes against your CO2 car and prevents it from going as fast as it could in a vacuum. You can't completely ever reduce drag, but you can help reduce it by building a more aerodynamic car, but those are more difficult to create. Now To talk about the forces that allow the car to move. There are two main aerodynamic forces acting on any object moving through the air. Lift is a force that acts 90° to the direction of travel of an object. Usually we think of lift when we think of an airplane. The plane travels forward (horizontally), and lift acts 90° to that motion of travel –

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