Embark on a thrilling journey into the realm of engineering and design by crafting your own Shake Table in Tinkercad, an intuitive online platform that empowers you to materialize your ideas in the virtual domain. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding innovator, this comprehensive guide will meticulously guide you through the process of creating a fully functional Shake Table, a valuable tool for simulating earthquakes and testing structural integrity. With Tinkercad’s user-friendly interface and powerful features, you’ll be astounded by how effortlessly you can delve into the world of seismic engineering.
To initiate your Shake Table odyssey, you’ll first need to gather the essential components that will constitute this dynamic device. Tinkercad’s extensive library of pre-designed objects provides a treasure trove of options to select from. Begin by choosing a sturdy base, the foundation upon which your Shake Table will reside. Next, opt for a sturdy tabletop that will accommodate the objects you intend to subject to seismic tremors. Lastly, don’t overlook the pivotal component – a motor – which will impart the table’s rhythmic vibrations, mimicking the dynamic forces of an earthquake.
With your components assembled, it’s time to embark on the exhilarating task of assembling your Shake Table in Tinkercad’s virtual workspace. Begin by positioning the base and tabletop, ensuring they’re securely connected. Next, strategically place the motor at the base’s rear, ensuring its alignment with the tabletop. Utilize Tinkercad’s intuitive tools to create a crankshaft that will transform the motor’s rotary motion into the table’s desired oscillatory motion. By carefully connecting the crankshaft to both the motor and the tabletop, you’ll establish the mechanism that will generate the essential vibrations.
Understanding the Basics of Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, cloud-based 3D modeling software that makes it easy to create 3D models, even for beginners. It has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of tools and features, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to learn 3D modeling.
Creating a Basic Shape
To create a basic shape, simply select the shape you want to create from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen. You can then click and drag your mouse to create the shape. You can also use the arrow keys to move the shape around the screen. To resize the shape, simply click and drag the handles on the edges of the shape.
Combining Shapes
You can combine shapes to create more complex models. To do this, select the shapes you want to combine and then click the “Combine” button on the toolbar. You can also use the “Intersect” button to create a shape that is the intersection of two other shapes. To subtract one shape from another, click the “Subtract” button.
Adding Details
Once you have created your basic model, you can add details to it using the tools on the toolbar. You can add holes, cutouts, and other features to your model. You can also add text and images to your model. To do this, click the “Text” or “Image” button on the toolbar and then click and drag your mouse to create the text or image.
Designing the Shake Table Platform
The shake table platform is the foundation of your shake table. It needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the shaker motor and the shaking table itself, but also light enough to allow for easy movement. The platform should also be large enough to provide a stable base for the shaking table, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to build and transport.
When designing your platform, consider the following:
- Material: The platform can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic. Wood is a good choice because it is lightweight and easy to work with, but it is not as durable as metal. Metal is more durable, but it is also heavier and more difficult to work with. Plastic is a lightweight and durable material, but it is not as strong as wood or metal.
- Size: The size of the platform will depend on the size of the shaking table. The platform should be large enough to provide a stable base for the shaking table, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to build and transport.
- Shape: The shape of the platform can be rectangular, square, or circular. The shape of the platform is not critical, but it should be designed to provide a stable base for the shaking table.
General Design Considerations
When designing your shake table platform, keep the following general design considerations in mind:
- The platform should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the shaker motor and the shaking table without collapsing.
- The platform should be level to ensure that the shaking table moves smoothly.
- The platform should be large enough to provide a stable base for the shaking table, but it should not be so large that it becomes difficult to transport.
- The platform should be easy to assemble and disassemble so that it can be easily transported and stored when not in use.
Material Options
The following table summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different platform materials:
Material Advantages Disadvantages Wood Lightweight, easy to work with Not as durable as metal Metal Durable, strong Heavy, difficult to work with Plastic Lightweight, durable Not as strong as wood or metal Creating the Support Brackets
Now that we have our baseplate, let’s create the support brackets that will hold the platform and the shaker motor. We’ll make these brackets out of 1/8″ thick plywood:
Step 3a: Measuring and Cutting the Plywood
Use a ruler and pencil to measure and mark two pieces of plywood to the following dimensions: 6″ x 12″. These will be the side brackets.
Also, measure and mark two pieces of plywood to the following dimensions: 6″ x 6″. These will be the front and back brackets.
Once you have marked the plywood, use a jigsaw or handsaw to cut out the pieces.
Step 3b: Assembling the Brackets
Now that you have the plywood pieces cut out, it’s time to assemble the brackets. Start by gluing and screwing the side brackets to the baseplate. Make sure that the brackets are flush with the edge of the baseplate.
Next, glue and screw the front and back brackets to the side brackets. Again, make sure that the brackets are flush with the edges of the side brackets.
Step 3c: Reinforcing the Brackets
To make the brackets even stronger, you can add some reinforcement. Cut four pieces of 1/4″ thick plywood to the following dimensions: 3″ x 6″. These will be the gussets.
Glue and screw the gussets to the corners of the brackets. This will help to distribute the weight of the platform and the shaker motor and prevent the brackets from bending.
Building the Base and Motor Attachments
Start by creating a rectangular prism for the base, ensuring it’s large enough to accommodate the shake table’s components. To attach the motors, design and 3D print custom mounting brackets. These brackets should fit securely over the motors, providing stability and minimizing vibrations during operation.
Next, create holes in the base to insert screws that will secure the motor mounting brackets. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw size to ensure a snug fit. Position the mounting brackets equidistant from each other and align them parallel to the base.
Designing the Shake Table Platform
The shake table platform will be mounted on top of the motor mounting brackets. Design and 3D print four legs that will support the platform and provide a stable surface for the shake table. The legs should be tall enough to achieve the desired vibration amplitude and sturdy enough to withstand the shaking forces.
Dimension Value Base Length 200mm Base Width 150mm Base Thickness 10mm Leg Height 100mm Leg Diameter 15mm The platform itself can be a simple rectangular prism with cutouts for securing it to the legs. Use screws or bolts to attach the legs to the platform, ensuring a rigid connection. Finally, create holes in the platform to accommodate the specimen that will be placed on the shake table for testing.
Installing the Servo Motor
1. Locate the servo motor object in the Tinkercad library and drag it into your workspace.
2. Connect the servo motor’s wires to the Arduino microcontroller according to the following diagram:
Wire Color Arduino Pin Red 5V Black GND Yellow/Orange Pin 9 3. Use a screwdriver to attach the servo motor to the base of the shake table.
4. Position the servo motor so that its arm is perpendicular to the base of the table.
5. **Adjusting the Servo’s Range of Motion:**
– Once the servo is installed, you may need to adjust its range of motion to ensure that it properly shakes the table.
– To do this, open the “Design” menu in Tinkercad and click on “Blocks.”
– Drag the “Servo” block into your workspace and connect it to the servo object.
– Double-click on the “Servo” block and adjust the “Angle” property to determine the maximum and minimum angles that the servo will rotate.
– Test the servo’s range of motion by clicking on the “Play” button in the top right corner of the workspace. Adjust the “Angle” property until the servo’s arm moves smoothly between the desired maximum and minimum positions.Connecting the Sensor
Step 1: Insert the Sensor into the Breadboard
Insert the accelerometer sensor into the breadboard, aligning the pins with the corresponding rows.
Step 2: Solder the Connections
Carefully solder a wire to each of the sensor’s four pins: VCC, GND, SDA, and SCL.
Step 3: Connect the Wires to the Arduino
Using the soldered wires, connect the sensor pins to the corresponding pins on the Arduino board.
Sensor Pin Arduino Pin VCC 5V GND GND SDA A4 SCL A5 Step 4: Mount the Sensor on the Shake Table
Attach the accelerometer sensor to the shake table using glue or double-sided tape, ensuring it remains secure during movement.
Step 5: Check the Connections
Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and correct. Test the sensor by gently shaking the table and observing the data it generates on the Arduino’s serial monitor.
Step 6: Optimize Sensor Placement
Experiment with different sensor placements on the shake table to find the optimal location for sensitive and accurate measurements. Consider factors such as the vibration patterns and the sensor’s orientation relative to the table’s motion.
Programming the Arduino
Step 1: Install the Arduino IDE
Download and install the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from the Arduino website.
Step 2: Import the Shake Table Library
Open the Arduino IDE and click “Sketch” > “Include Library” > “Manage Libraries”. Search for “Shake Table” and install the library.
Step 3: Create a New Sketch
Click “File” > “New” to create a new sketch.
Step 4: Copy the Code
Copy the following code into the Arduino sketch:
“`c++
#includeShakeTable shakeTable;
void setup() {
shakeTable.begin();
}void loop() {
shakeTable.update();
}
“`Step 5: Set the Pin Numbers
In the “void setup()” function, modify the pin numbers to match the connections between the Arduino and the shake table hardware. For example:
“`c++
shakeTable.begin(5, 6, 7); // Set pin 5 for step, pin 6 for direction, and pin 7 for enable
“`Step 6: Adjust Motor Speed and Acceleration
In the “void loop()” function, you can adjust the motor speed and acceleration using the following methods:
“`c++
shakeTable.setSpeed(100); // Set the motor speed (steps per second)
shakeTable.setAcceleration(10); // Set the motor acceleration (steps per second squared)
“`Step 7: Calibrate the Step Angle
The step angle is the angular distance moved by the motor for each step pulse. To calibrate the step angle:
- Manually rotate the motor shaft one full revolution.
- Count the number of steps output by the shake table.
- Divide 360 degrees by the number of steps to get the step angle.
- Update the “STEP_ANGLE” variable in the “ShakeTable.h” library file with the calculated step angle.
- Attach the Baseplate to the Motors: Use four M4 screws to attach the baseplate to the motors, ensuring that the motors are evenly spaced and parallel to each other.
- Assemble the Slider: Insert the two slider boards into the slider tracks on the baseplate. Secure them with eight M4 screws, four on each side.
- Mount the Lid: Place the lid on top of the slider and secure it with four M4 screws, two on each side.
- Install the Motor Drivers: Mount the motor drivers to the baseplate using four M2.5 screws each. Connect the motor driver outputs to the motors using the provided cables.
- Connect the Microcontroller: Insert the microcontroller into the designated slot on the motor controller shield. Connect the microcontroller to the motor drivers using the provided jumper wires.
- Power the Shake Table: Connect a 12V power supply to the power input terminals on the motor controller shield.
- Upload the Software: Download and install the Arduino software on your computer. Open the provided Arduino sketch and upload it to the microcontroller.
- Test the Shake Table: Once the software is uploaded, you can test the shake table by inputting different values into the Arduino software. This will cause the motors to move the slider back and forth, simulating seismic activity.
- Sampling rate: 100 Hz
- Sensitivity range: ±2 g
- Create a new design in Tinkercad.
- From the “Shapes” menu, select the “Cube” shape.
- Click and drag to create a cube with the desired dimensions.
- Select the “Hole” tool and click and drag to create a hole in the center of the cube.
- Insert a “Cylinder” shape into the hole and adjust its dimensions to fit snugly.
- Attach a “Sphere” shape to the top of the cylinder. This will serve as the platform for your experiments.
- Add any additional features or supports as needed.
- Export the design as an STL file.
- Use a 3D printer to create the physical shake table.
- Attach the shake table to a sturdy surface using bolts or clamps.
Assembling the Shake Table
Once you have all the materials, it’s time to assemble the shake table. Here are the detailed steps:
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baseplate (100mm x 100mm) | 1 |
| Slider Boards (50mm x 50mm) | 2 |
| Lid (100mm x 100mm) | 1 |
| Motors (NEMA 17) | 2 |
| Motor Drivers | 2 |
| Microcontroller | 1 |
| Motor Controller Shield | 1 |
| M4 Screws | 20 |
| M2.5 Screws | 8 |
| Jumper Wires | 4 |
Calibrating the Shake Table
Before conducting experiments with your shake table, it’s crucial to calibrate it to ensure accurate measurements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to calibrating your shake table in Tinkercad:
Step 1: Gather Materials
You will need the following materials:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tinkercad Shake Table | 1 |
| Accelerometer | 1 |
| Data acquisition software | 1 |
Step 2: Connect Accelerometer
Connect the accelerometer to the Tinkercad Shake Table’s input port.
Step 3: Set Software Parameters
Open the data acquisition software and configure the following settings:
Step 4: Place Shake Table on a Stable Surface
Ensure that the shake table is placed on a flat and stable surface to minimize external vibrations.
Step 5: Initialize Shake Table
Turn on the shake table using the software or a physical switch.
Step 6: Collect Data
Start recording data from the accelerometer. The software will display real-time acceleration measurements.
Step 7: Manually Shake
While the data is being recorded, manually shake the table at various frequencies and amplitudes.
Step 8: Create Frequency Response Curve
Plot the recorded acceleration data versus the manual shake frequency. This will create a frequency response curve that represents the shake table’s sensitivity at different frequencies.
Step 9: Adjust Parameters
Based on the frequency response curve, adjust the software parameters to optimize the shake table’s performance for your specific experiments. For example, you can increase the sampling rate or adjust the sensitivity range if you need higher precision or sensitivity.
Using Tinkercad to Create a Shake Table
Tinkercad is a user-friendly online 3D modeling platform that allows you to design a shake table easily
Using the Shake Table for Experiments
Conducting Simple Seismic Experiments
Place an object on the shake table platform and observe its behavior when the table is shaken.
Vary the frequency and amplitude of the shaking to simulate different seismic events.
Record the object’s motion using a camera or other sensors to analyze its response to the shaking.
Measuring Structural Integrity
Construct a small structure on the shake table platform, such as a bridge or building.
Subject the structure to varying levels of shaking and observe its response.
Analyze the structure’s stability, deformation, and potential failure points.
Simulating Ground Liquefaction
Fill a container on the shake table with loose sand or water.
Shake the table at a specific frequency and amplitude to simulate ground liquefaction conditions.
Observe the behavior of the sand or water, such as its liquefaction or settlement.
Evaluating Soil-Structure Interaction
Place a soil sample on the shake table and construct a small structure on top of it.
Subject the soil-structure system to shaking and monitor the interaction between the two.
Analyze the effects of soil type, density, and water content on the structure’s response.
Testing Seismic Isolation Systems
Design and construct a seismic isolation system for the shake table platform.
Place an object on the isolated platform and subject it to shaking.
Compare the object’s response with and without the isolation system to evaluate its effectiveness.
Educational Applications
Use the shake table as a teaching tool to demonstrate seismic concepts to students.
Design experiments that allow students to explore the effects of different variables on seismic behavior.
Incorporate the shake table into STEM curricula to promote hands-on learning and critical thinking.
How to Make a Shake Table in Tinkercad
A shake table is a device used to simulate the effects of earthquakes on structures and other objects. It is a great tool for learning about earthquakes and their effects, and it can also be used to test the durability of different structures.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a simple shake table in Tinkercad. This shake table is designed to be used with small objects, such as blocks or figurines. It is easy to make and it only requires a few basic materials.
Materials:
* Tinkercad account
* Cardboard
* Ruler
* Pencil
* Scissors
* Glue
* Motor
* Battery
* Wire
Instructions:
1. Open Tinkercad and create a new design.
2. Click on the “Shapes” tab and select the “Rectangle” shape.
3. Draw a rectangle that is 10 cm long and 5 cm wide.
4. Click on the “Extrude” tool and extrude the rectangle by 2 cm.
5. Click on the “Shapes” tab and select the “Circle” shape.
6. Draw a circle that is 2 cm in diameter.
7. Click on the “Extrude” tool and extrude the circle by 1 cm.
8. Click on the “Shapes” tab and select the “Cylinder” shape.
9. Draw a cylinder that is 2 cm in diameter and 5 cm long.
10. Click on the “Extrude” tool and extrude the cylinder by 1 cm.
11. Click on the “Arrange” tab and select the “Align” tool.
12. Align the circle and the cylinder so that they are centered on the rectangle.
13. Click on the “Arrange” tab and select the “Group” tool.
14. Group the circle, the cylinder, and the rectangle together.
15. Click on the “Insert” tab and select the “Motor” component.
16. Place the motor on the bottom of the rectangle.
17. Click on the “Insert” tab and select the “Battery” component.
18. Place the battery on the top of the rectangle.
19. Click on the “Insert” tab and select the “Wire” component.
20. Connect the motor to the battery with the wire.
21. Click on the “Simulate” tab and select the “Play” button.
The shake table will start to shake. You can adjust the speed of the motor to control the intensity of the shaking.
People Also Ask About How To Make A Shake Table In Tinkercad
How do you make a shake table in Tinkercad?
To make a shake table in Tinkercad, you will need to create a base, a platform, and a motor. The base can be made from a piece of cardboard or wood. The platform should be made from a piece of metal or plastic. The motor should be a small DC motor.
How do you attach the platform to the base?
The platform can be attached to the base using glue or screws. If you are using glue, be sure to use a strong adhesive that will hold the platform securely in place.
How do you make the motor shake the platform?
The motor can be attached to the platform using a crankshaft. The crankshaft will convert the rotational motion of the motor into a reciprocating motion. This reciprocating motion will cause the platform to shake.
