You can purchase kits online that will give you everything you need to build a mousetrap racer.Most mousetrap racers are built to travel as far as possible.Most of the changes you make to a racer will not increase their max speed, but rather their speed at the expense of distance.If speed is your goal, you will need to adapt your racer to travel shorter distances quicker.
Step 1: The lever arm needs to be shortened.
The best way to modify a racer is to install a shorter lever arm.The lever will spin out if it's too short.There isn't a formula for how long the lever should be.You can experiment to see how short you can get the lever.Longer lever arms will allow the car to travel longer distances before reaching maximum speed.It will go slower, but move further.
Step 2: You can find smaller wheels.
The amount of Torque needed to begin a rotation increases when the wheel size is increased.It's easier to turn a smaller wheel.Make sure that your front wheel is small.A good standard is 3 inches in diameter.The materials should be as lightweight as possible.A larger wheel has more inertia, which keeps the wheel moving, but reduces acceleration.There is a trade-off between distance and speed.Reducing the size of the driving wheel will affect the distance traveled.Try to find out what the most functional design is.
Step 3: The size of the axle should be increased.
The greater the diameter of the wheel, the less force will be required to accelerate the car.You should match a larger wheel with a smaller one.A mousetrap racer that is built for distance should have a larger wheel.Wrap tape around the center of the axle to make sure it doesn't come into contact with the frame.The added weight will increase the strength of the vehicle.Add and remove layers of tape to find the correct amount of Torque.
Step 4: The traction should be increased.
The pressure against the ground is what the wheel needs to pick up speed.To give the wheel traction, use a rough texture material around the outside.Alternatively, cut something with a rough surface such as a rubber balloon.The material should be Glued to the outside of the wheel.
Step 5: Keep trying.
There are a lot of variables involved in the physics of a mousetrap racer.Experiments with small variations in design are the only way to perfect your model.Mousetrap racers have won in the past.You can learn from designs that have worked before.
Step 6: It's a good idea to reduce weight.
Rolling is caused by the weight on the ground.To support the mousetrap, the deck should be trimmed down as much as possible.Put the deck as close to the back wheels as possible.There are holes that can be drilled to reduce weight.There are holes in the frame and wheels.The frame of the car should be as lightweight as possible.Consider wood such as bamboo, balsa wood, or foam.If you need to attach something, use glue.Glue is lighter and smoother than tape.They add weight, so don't use metal bolts.
Step 7: Cut down on the number of pulleys.
When building a racer for distance, a complicated system of gears and pulleys can be useful.They serve to create more tension between the components when building for speed.When building a car, it's a good idea to connect the lever directly to the axle.
Step 8: Limit the amount of air resistance.
Air resistance increases as speed increases, making it more likely to stop your car in its tracks.To prevent this from happening, expose as little surface area as possible.Try to see what is most aerodynamic with different materials.Sand and paint a wood frame.It will be more aerodynamic because of this.To reduce air resistance, reduce the surface area of the car.The frame and wheels should be thinner.
Step 9: The frame and the axle need to be friction-free.
At the point where the frame touches the axle, your car can lose a lot of energy.If the axle gets stuck, watch the surfaces.Try to apply a lubricate.The redesign of the axle is an option.Ball bearings can be installed.You can find a chart of coefficients of friction on the internet.