BACKING UP A TRAILER - AN APPLICATION-BASED VECTOR ANALYSIS PROJECT FOR 2ND YEAR CALCULUS

Abstract - A project for the second year calculus course, ME201, will be presented. Students worked in groups, make measurements using physical prototypes and performed analysis to predict behavior for the physical situation of reversing (backing up) a vehicle attached to a single axle trailer. The objectives of the project were to reinforce concepts from previous courses, including physics (vector components) and linear algebra (matrices), to demonstrate key concepts from the current course (vector products, moment vector), and to generate interest in future courses (sensors and feedback, control systems). This paper will outline the development process for the project, including the design and fabrication of the physical prototypes and the selection of test conditions.~ Measurements and analysis from the project, including samples of student work, will be presented.