Design and prototyping of rowing mechanism

• Main Author: Tan, Jia Wei
• Other Authors: Ng Bing Feng
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2021
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/151020
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The intent of this project is to create a rowing mechanism on a boat by using the concept of the Hummingbird’s figure 8 flapping motion to test and operate in water. The flight momentum generating by the hummingbirds is so unique that the bird tends to flap their wings in an up and down stroke movement which allow them to move fast and stable. With the benefit of using the concept of flapping motion, this concept was once invented by using as a military surveillance usage purpose due to its miniature size and speed as a further enhancement of drones. With the ideas in mind and conducting a literature review, the finalised design is separated down into sub-functions by using Lego's Technic gears, items readily in the market and most importantly is the boat hull design. The boat hull is designed using SolidWorks and fabricated using the 3D printer. Once the prototype is completed, will proceed to further enhance by applying electrical and mechanical components. Hence, this will complete the whole prototype where it is operationally ready for physical experimental test. The testing experiment is to find out what is the behaviour of the boat while operating the rowing motion in water. There are several tests which are conducted like the speed of the boat against the speed of the paddling motion, by adding weight against the speed of the boat as well as the endurance test. The results have shown the comparison in terms of speed, power efficiency and to find out the limitation of the boat while operating in water. This observation will help to further improve on the concept of this project and also to implement a more effective and robust product in future.