Traction and Ballasting Experiments Using Lego Mindstorms
PrintProceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition
Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education. Reprinted with the permission of ASEE.
Abstract
In the agricultural machinery course at the University of Missouri, Lego Mindstorm kits are been
used to teach concepts of traction, ballasting, and autonomous vehicles to upper class students.
Based on the first two year’s experience with an autonomous tractor pull, new methods have
been developed to challenge students to gain an understanding ballasting and traction. Using a
pulling sled developed for the course, teams of students must collect data on their tractors using
different tire, drive, and ballast configurations. The teams of students must write a report to
evaluate the pulling performance of their vehicles and participate in a tractor pull with the rest of
the class. Methods of constructing the pulling sled and conducting the tractor pull are described,
along with the activities related to the classroom assignments.
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