MEMS 4110: Interactive Racecar Dynamics Exhibit

Authors

Leonardo Gomes, Washington University in St. LouisFollow
Hunter Rocker, Washington University in St. LouisFollow
Joseph Norris, Washington University in St. LouisFollow
Jack Coode, Washington University in St. LouisFollow

Language

English (en)

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Document Type

Final Report

Embargo Date

12-8-2025

Problem Statement

Visitors at science museums often struggle to understand how launch speed, lane choice, and banked-curve dynamics influence a car’s trajectory. Existing educational exhibits rarely provide repeatable measurements or clear physics demonstrations. This project addresses that gap by creating an interactive racecar dynamics exhibit with a controlled launcher, 3D-printed banked track geometry, and optical timing gates. The goal is to give users measurable feedback on velocity, lane behavior, and motion through a 31° banked turn while maintaining safety, durability, and fast reset time for continuous hands-on learning.

Author's School

McKelvey School of Engineering

Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Class Name

Mechanical Engineering Design Project (MEMS 411)

Recommended Citation

Gomes, Leonardo; Rocker, Hunter; Norris, Joseph; and Coode, Jack, "MEMS 4110: Interactive Racecar Dynamics Exhibit" (2025). Mechanical Engineering Design Project Class. 274.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems411/274