Problem Definition

Team Vision for Problem Definition Phase

Team Schedule for Phase I

What our team planned to do:

Meet team members and exchange contact information
Develop a team calendar for communication purposes
Learn what a tribometer is and how it works
Identify and interview relevant stakeholders
Assign team roles
Create a list of Engineering and Customer Requirements
Identify potential risks associated with the development of the tribometer
Hold phase I review presentation

What our team actually accomplished:

For this particular phase, since there weren't many challenges in Phase 1 of the project, we completed everything we planned to. We recognize that for later phases, due to unknown variables/problems, it is expected that there may be differences between what we planned to do and what we actually accomplished.

Team Values

The 5 values that our team prioritizes are:

1.Team Transparency
2. Clear Communication
3. Team Diligence
4. Respect
5. Accountability/Responsibility

Project Summary

Current State

Current tribometer technology is limited to hard materials that do not deflect or deform
A current soft tribometer prototype has been designed and enough testing has been conducted for the system to be redesigned.
The current prototype is unrefined and contain structural design issues that lead to inaccurate data.

Desired State

The goal of this project is to re-design, construct, test, and document a working prototype tribometer that will collect data and optical observations while testing PDMS.

Project Goals

Deliver a functional prototype that measures the coefficient of friction accurately while also:

Minimizing excess displacement of testing arm
Maintaining accuracy of rpm of rotating material

Constraints

Determine the coefficient of friction by thrust washer and pin on disk methods.
Measure the coefficient of friction by displacement and normal force
Have a rigid design and all inclusive electrical system
Measure both static and kinetic friction

Use Cases

Use Case: Using the machine to observe surface contact and relative motion in kinetic friction between PDMS material and stainless steel 304.

PDMS material will be mounted down and fixed in the specimen stand and a annular thrust washer will be in contact with the surface of the PDMS material and driving the motion.
Both the PDMS material and the thrust washer will be fixed in position during the testing so no relative vertical position travel is allowed.
Using an optical observation system we will be able to see clear action of the sticking, slipping and moving of the surfaces. A video will be taken to record such observation.
Each test trial shall take around 2-5 minutes.

Project Goals and Key Deliverables

Functional prototype with the ability to measure the coefficient of friction of PDMS using the thrust washer and pin on disk method.
Manual detailing the design, specifications and use of the prototype.
A BOM is required at the end to show how project funds were used.