Mechanical Testing: Constructing our Testing Tank

Our "testing tank" is actually an old fish-tank refurbished with a wooden frame to support our motor testing. From this frame the motor capsule hangs in the water on a short electrical PVC pipe which is attached to the frame by pivoting axis. A Vernier Force Sensor  is attached next to one side of the pipe. When the motors are powered the end of the PVC will be forced into the sensor which will then give us data to help compare motors and propellors. This data will be collected on Logger Pro and compared on through regression analysis using voltage as the independent variable and force as the dependent. A few pictures of our testing tank are below:

Fish tank + wooden frame

Nick screwing attaching the pivoting axis

The pivoting axis (metal brace + rod) and the Vernier Force Sensor (black box and stopper)