Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Charles Pringle

Abstract

The objective of this project was to design and construct an articulating bridge consisting of only balsa wood and glue to meet a set of given requirements. The main requirements include a maximum bridge weight, minimum load to be supported, and a minimum height that the bridge must raise to utilizing an electric motor.

To meet the objective of the project, a series of engineering analyses were completed to determine suitable dimensions and geometry for each component of the bridge and articulation structure. Before conducting analyses for the bridge, a few different truss structures were considered including a Pratt truss, Warren truss, and K truss. The final bridge design consists of two modified Warren Trusses. The design analyses conducted utilize many principles of mechanical engineering including but not limited to structural analysis, mechanics of materials, and mechanical design.

The bridge was successfully designed and constructed to meet all requirements. All structural components of the bridge and articulation structure are constructed of balsa wood and glue. Mechanical components for the articulation structure were created using 3-D Printing. The bridge supported a load greater than the 20 Kilogram minimum requirement while weighing less than the required 85 gram maximum. The bridge was also successful in raising to a height of 140mm measured from the surface of the abutments to the midpoint of the bridge.

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