Design Testing
FAMU - FSU College of Engineering Updated 4.2007
Test Plan
The plan included pulling the parasail behind a truck to determine the minimum operating speed. A weighted box was used to simulate a rider. By finding the minimum driving speed that allows the parasail to remain in the air, the minimum wind speed was determined. The maximum weight at certain wind speeds was also determined through trials. The most important test that was performed was a no wind situation. By bringing the truck to a stop quickly, the reaction of the parasail was found. This simulated a situation where the wind dies suddenly. The effects of wind direction change can also be examined using this method.
Testing Objectives
By performing these tests, all the uncertainties were examined and the unknown questions answered. Testing allowed the team to complete the following objectives.
1. Find the minimum wind required to lift the average
person (180 pounds).
2. Find the force exerted on the tether for varying wind
speeds.
3. Find the change of parasail orientation with wind
direction changes.
4. Find the descent rate in a no wind condition
5. Find the maximum safe wind gust and the tension on the tether.
6. Find the minimum weight for stability.
The plan included pulling the parasail behind a truck to determine the minimum operating speed. A weighted box was used to simulate a rider. By finding the minimum driving speed that allows the parasail to remain in the air, the minimum wind speed was determined. The maximum weight at certain wind speeds was also determined through trials. The most important test that was performed was a no wind situation. By bringing the truck to a stop quickly, the reaction of the parasail was found. This simulated a situation where the wind dies suddenly. The effects of wind direction change can also be examined using this method.
Testing Objectives
By performing these tests, all the uncertainties were examined and the unknown questions answered. Testing allowed the team to complete the following objectives.
1. Find the minimum wind required to lift the average
person (180 pounds).
2. Find the force exerted on the tether for varying wind
speeds.
3. Find the change of parasail orientation with wind
direction changes.
4. Find the descent rate in a no wind condition
5. Find the maximum safe wind gust and the tension on the tether.
6. Find the minimum weight for stability.
