Rubber-Band Powered Car

For the UCLA Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 94 course, my team and I were tasked with designing and constructing a rubber-band powered vehicle. Over the course of the quarter, we progressed from conceptual sketches to a fully functional prototype that met design requirements and demonstrated exceptional performance during the final competition.

We began by developing multiple design concepts and selecting the optimal solution through detailed CAD modeling in SolidWorks. The final design incorporated a fixed front axle, a free-floating spine, and a rear axle with fixed wheels, leveraging the elastic potential energy of rubber bands to propel the vehicle. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) allowed us to refine critical components, ensuring durability under operational stresses.

The fabrication process utilized UCLA’s Makerspaces, where all parts were 3D printed using PLA plastic. Assembly was completed with adhesives, and additional testing ensured alignment and functionality. The final vehicle achieved a weight of 110.5 grams and demonstrated the ability to travel 185 inches forward during the final competition. 

This project honed my skills in CAD modeling, FEA, rapid prototyping, and collaborative problem-solving. It was a rewarding experience to apply engineering principles to an innovative design challenge, culminating in a functional and efficient final product.