Background

The MAE 3 project gave us a clean optimization problem: launch a football through uprights from 99 yards, using minimal stored energy. We were told to assume zero air resistance and had no constraints besides energy limits.

The Design

I broke down the launch variables into:

1. Release angle (45° optimal in vacuum)

2. Initial velocity needed for range

3. Energy storage capacity

4. Release consistency

This led to three main components:

1. Mass-pulley system storing potential energy

2. Reinforced netting to cradle football

3. Spring array for controlled power transfer

One addition was a slip gear in the drive train. This solved two problems:

• Safe energy storage before launch

• Reset-free repeated launches

Analysis

Without air resistance, the math simplified to basic projectile motion. This let us iterate quickly on design while staying focused on maximum range per unit of stored energy. We also conducted analysis to determine each mechanism's factor of safety to ensure operation under real-world conditions.

What I Learned

The project taught me to make analysis-driven design decisions with simple math. I learned to break complex systems into core variables and use physics to guide component choices.