Fall 2017, Week 2: Lightning Talks and Team Meetings

     This week, we participated in Lightning Talks, in which each team presented their project descriptions, specifications and end goals. After presenting our topic, our team gathered to discuss further project goals. 
     After much discussion, it was clear that adopting the Futran design for the track would require great improvements to the bending machine. I contacted a member of last year's team to ask for advice on the machine, as well as things to consider while designing the track.
     One characteristic we must consider is the elasticity of the metal being bent. Last year's team found that the metal was bent past its elastic point, so they only had one attempt to bend the metal to the correct specification. In addition, the type of aluminum being used affects the required bending radii. 
     With this in mind, I will be using the weekend to research  possible alternatives to the metal being used for the track, as well as possible solutions to our current bending machine. By next week, my goal is to start designing the new Futran track system.