Designing a WaxLess Ski

My Math Model:

































*Note, in my drawing the mg arrow/force should be acting downward, not upward like I have it in my picture above. 

My Plan is to use my derived equation to calculate mu (the friction coefficient).  Then run my experiment to get data.

Experiment Validation:

Why:

The Goal of this experiment is to find data that will tell us more about the friction of ski’s in motion.  While doing this we will validate the math model I derived and modify it as we learn more about how the experiment and friction changes things.

Knowledge Construction:

             In order to get an accurate representation as to what the friction of the wax less skis will be, I will need to take plenty of data points in order to get better results and rule out outliers.  For this experiment I need to know the mass of the skier, or skiers, the velocity, and the distance traveled.  In order to get good results I need to vary my runs with the weights of at least two different people that are of average weight for those who ski.  I will also have to work with using different distances and velocities to see and understand how the data changes.

Hypothesis:

            I feel through research that the coefficient of friction on a wax less ski will be around 0.6.

Experimental Design:
Goal:
            1. Record the measurements for mass, velocity, and distance traveled.

            2. Use two different masses, one for average male, one for average female.

            3. Record 10 data points for each mass.

            4. Use this data to calculate the coefficient of friction.

            5. Compare experimental findings to the math model findings.

Ideas:
            1. Use a mobile phone with an app to measure velocity.

            2. Try to vary the velocity in order to get a range of speeds.

            3. Push the person while they are standing on the skies.

            4. Use two different people of average weights for male and female skiers.

            5. Measure distance traveled.

            6. Test on varieties of snow surfaces (packed snow, wet snow, and powder)

            7. Record all findings, good or bad.

Procedure:

1.      Find test subjects to participate in the experiment.

2.      Find a uniform snow area of a flat surface with enough room for multiple runs.

3.      Have the test subject stand on the skies.

4.      Have the skier hold the phone or item with the velocity app.

5.      Push the skier.

6.      Measure the distance traveled.

7.      Record all data, weights, speed and distance pushed.

8.      Do 10 runs for 10 data points.

9.      Now repeat steps 3-8 with the next skier.

10.  Now repeat steps 3-9 on each type of snow situation.

11.  Collect and review the data.

Execution:

            Run the experiment and collect data. After data is found, read and study the data and continue testing with modifications where needed.