Are you interested in learning how to construct a Shake Table in Tinkercad? This article will guide you through the process. A shake table is a device that simulates the effects of an earthquake on a structure. It is used to test the structural integrity of buildings and other structures. Building a shake table in Tinkercad is a great way to learn about engineering and design. It is also a fun and challenging project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
To begin, you will need to create a new design in Tinkercad. Once you have created a new design, you will need to add a base to your shake table. The base will provide a stable platform for the rest of the shake table. To create the base, you can use the “Cube” shape. Make the cube 100mm x 100mm x 10mm. Once you have created the base, you will need to add a platform to the top of the base. The platform will be where you place the structure that you want to test. To create the platform, you can use the “Cube” shape. Make the platform 100mm x 100mm x 10mm. Once you have created the platform, you will need to add a motor to the shake table. The motor will be used to shake the platform.
To add a motor to the shake table, you will need to click on the “Components” tab. Then, you will need to search for the “Motor” component. Once you have found the “Motor” component, you will need to drag and drop it onto the platform. Once you have added the motor to the shake table, you will need to connect the motor to the platform. To do this, you will need to use the “Wire” component. Click on the “Components” tab and search for the “Wire” component. Once you have found the “Wire” component, you will need to drag and drop it onto the platform. Then, you will need to connect the wire to the motor and the platform. Once you have connected the motor to the platform, you will need to add a controller to the shake table. The controller will be used to control the motor. To add a controller to the shake table, you will need to click on the “Components “tab.
Introduction to Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, browser-based 3D design software that is perfect for beginners. It is easy to use, and it has a wide range of features that make it perfect for creating 3D models for a variety of purposes. Tinkercad is also great for educators, as it is a great way to introduce students to the basics of 3D design.
Getting Started with Tinkercad
To get started with Tinkercad, you will need to create a free account. Once you have created an account, you can start creating new designs by clicking on the “Create New Design” button. Tinkercad has a variety of different tools that you can use to create your designs, including the following:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Shape Tools | These tools allow you to create basic 3D shapes, such as cubes, spheres, and cylinders. |
| Transform Tools | These tools allow you to move, rotate, and scale your 3D objects. |
| Group and Ungroup Tools | These tools allow you to group and ungroup your 3D objects, which can be useful for organizing your designs. |
| Hole Tool | This tool allows you to create holes in your 3D objects. |
| Text Tool | This tool allows you to add text to your 3D objects. |
Designing the Base
The base of your shake table is responsible for providing a sturdy and stable foundation for the rest of the structure. It should be large enough to accommodate the moving platform and vibration motor, while also being thick enough to withstand the forces generated during shaking. For this project, we will use a solid rectangular block as the base. Here are the steps involved in designing the base in Tinkercad:
Step 1: Create a New Design
Open Tinkercad and start a new design. Select the “Create New Design” button located at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Define the Base Dimensions
Use the “Cube” shape from the “Basic Shapes” library to create the base. Click and drag the cube to position it in the workspace. Adjust the width, length, and height dimensions to create a rectangular block that is suitable for your shake table. The recommended dimensions for the base are 100 mm in width, 150 mm in length, and 10 mm in height.
Step 3: Create Holes for Mounting
To ensure that the moving platform can be securely attached to the base, you need to create holes for the mounting screws. Use the “Hole” shape from the “Basic Shapes” library and position it on the top surface of the base. Adjust the diameter and depth of the hole to match the screws you will be using. You should create four holes, evenly spaced around the perimeter of the base.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Width | 100 mm |
| Base Length | 150 mm |
| Base Height | 10 mm |
| Hole Diameter | 3 mm |
| Hole Depth | 5 mm |
| Number of Holes | 4 |
Adding the Platform
To create the platform, select the rectangular prism from the shapes on the left-hand menu. Set the width to 30mm, length to 100mm, and height to 10mm. Position the platform by clicking and dragging it onto the workplane. Ensure it aligns with the base of the shaker.
Platform Design Considerations
The platform’s dimensions and thickness depend on the size and weight of the objects being tested on the shake table. A larger and thicker platform will provide more stability, while a smaller and thinner platform will be more flexible and responsive. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Platform Size: The platform should be large enough to accommodate the test objects without being excessively large or heavy.
- Platform Thickness: The platform’s thickness affects its rigidity and frequency response. A thicker platform will be more rigid and have a higher natural frequency, while a thinner platform will be more flexible and have a lower natural frequency.
- Platform Material: The platform’s material affects its weight, durability, and cost. Commonly used materials include aluminum, steel, and wood.
For the purpose of this tutorial, the platform is made of aluminum, which is a lightweight and relatively inexpensive material. It has adequate rigidity and can be easily cut and shaped to the desired dimensions.
Creating the Supports
To create the supports, we will use the “Box” tool in Tinkercad. This tool allows us to create 3D cubes and rectangular prisms.
First, select the “Box” tool from the left-hand toolbar.
Next, click on the build plate in the 3D workspace. A cube will be created at the center of the build plate.
To resize the cube, click on one of its edges and drag the mouse to adjust the size of the cube.
To move the cube, click on its center and drag the mouse to the desired location.
Repeat these steps to create additional cubes for the supports.
Once you have created all of the cubes for the supports, you can use the “Align” tool to align them precisely.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Select the cubes | Select the cubes that you want to align. |
| Click on the “Align” tool | Click on the “Align” tool from the left-hand toolbar. |
| Select the alignment option | Select the alignment option that you want to use. |
| Click on the “Align” button | Click on the “Align” button to align the cubes. |
Building the Motor
The motor is the heart of the shake table, and it needs to be powerful enough to generate enough force to shake the table. We will use a DC motor for this project, as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to control.
The first step is to choose a motor. The size of the motor will depend on the size of the shake table and the desired shaking force. For a small shake table, a motor with a diameter of 3-5 cm will be sufficient. For a larger shake table, a motor with a diameter of 5-7 cm will be more appropriate.
Once you have chosen a motor, you need to attach it to the chassis of the shake table. The motor should be mounted on the chassis so that its shaft is parallel to the table. You can use screws or bolts to attach the motor to the chassis.
The next step is to connect the motor to the power supply. The power supply should be able to provide the motor with enough current to generate the desired shaking force. You can use a battery or a power adapter to power the motor.
The final step is to connect the motor to the microcontroller. The microcontroller will control the speed and direction of the motor. You can use a variety of different microcontrollers for this project, such as an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi.
Materials:
Motor:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| DC motor | 1 |
| Motor mount | 1 |
| Screws | 4 |
Connecting the Motor
The motor is the heart of your shake table. It’s what will provide the power to shake your table and simulate an earthquake. When choosing a motor, there are several factors to consider, including the speed, torque, and power. You’ll also need to make sure that the motor is compatible with your Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
Once you’ve selected a motor, it’s time to connect it to your shake table. The first step is to solder the motor wires to the motor controller. The motor controller will then be connected to the Arduino or Raspberry Pi.
Once the motor is connected, you can test it by running a simple program. This program should send a signal to the motor controller, which will then cause the motor to spin.
If the motor is spinning properly, you can now mount it to the shake table. The motor should be mounted in a way that allows it to move freely. You can use screws or bolts to secure the motor to the table.
Once the motor is mounted, you can connect the shake table to a power source. The power source will provide the electricity that the motor needs to operate.
Now that your shake table is complete, you can start using it to simulate earthquakes. You can use the Arduino or Raspberry Pi to control the speed and intensity of the shaking. You can also use the shake table to test the effects of earthquakes on different structures.
Connecting the wires to the motor controller
The motor wires are typically color-coded. The positive wire will be red, the negative wire will be black, and the ground wire will be green. The motor controller will have corresponding terminals for each of these wires.
To connect the wires to the motor controller, simply strip the ends of the wires and insert them into the terminals. Make sure that the wires are securely fastened in the terminals.
Testing the motor
Once the wires are connected, you can test the motor by running a simple program. This program should send a signal to the motor controller, which will then cause the motor to spin.
If the motor is spinning properly, you can now mount it to the shake table.
Mounting the motor to the shake table
The motor should be mounted in a way that allows it to move freely. You can use screws or bolts to secure the motor to the table.
| Variable | Description |
| Motor speed | The speed of the motor. |
| Motor torque | The torque of the motor. |
| Motor power | The power of the motor. |
| Motor compatibility | The compatibility of the motor with the Arduino or Raspberry Pi. |
Adding the Battery
Now that you have the basic structure of your shake table completed, it’s time to add the battery. The battery will provide the power for the motor to shake the table. Here’s how to do it:
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Step 1: Choose a battery
You will need a 9-volt battery for this project. Other voltage batteries may work, but 9-volts are the most common and easiest to find.
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Step 2: Connect the battery
Connect the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the motor. Connect the negative terminal of the battery to the negative terminal of the motor.
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Step 3: Secure the battery
Once the battery is connected, secure it in place so that it doesn’t move around. You can do this by taping it down or using a rubber band.
| Battery Type | Voltage | Recommended for Shake Table |
|---|---|---|
| 9-Volt | 9V | Yes |
| AA | 1.5V | No |
| AAA | 1.5V | No |
| C | 1.5V | No |
| D | 1.5V | No |
Once the battery is secured, your shake table is complete! You can now test it out by turning on the motor and placing a small object on the table. The object should start to shake as the motor vibrates the table.
Configuring the Controls
The controls for the shake table are located on the right-hand side of the screen. They are used to control the movement of the table, including the speed, amplitude, and frequency of the vibrations.
The first control is the “Speed” slider. This controls the speed of the vibrations, from 0 to 100%. The higher the speed, the faster the table will shake.
The second control is the “Amplitude” slider. This controls the amplitude of the vibrations, from 0 to 100%. The higher the amplitude, the more the table will shake.
The third control is the “Frequency” slider. This controls the frequency of the vibrations, from 0 to 100%. The higher the frequency, the more often the table will shake.
The fourth control is the “Start” button. This starts the vibrations of the table.
The fifth control is the “Stop” button. This stops the vibrations of the table.
The sixth control is the “Reset” button. This resets the table to its original position.
The seventh control is the “Settings” button. This opens the settings menu, where you can change the size of the table, the material of the table, and the gravity of the table.
The eighth control is the “Help” button. This opens the help menu, which provides information on how to use the shake table.
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed | Controls the speed of the vibrations. |
| Amplitude | Controls the amplitude of the vibrations. |
| Frequency | Controls the frequency of the vibrations. |
| Start | Starts the vibrations of the table. |
| Stop | Stops the vibrations of the table. |
| Reset | Resets the table to its original position. |
| Settings | Opens the settings menu, where you can change the size of the table, the material of the table, and the gravity of the table. |
| Help | Opens the help menu, which provides information on how to use the shake table. |
Testing and Calibration
Determining the Natural Frequency
Suspend the table from a fixed point and lightly tap it to induce vibrations. Record and analyze the time it takes for the oscillations to complete one full cycle. Repeat this several times and take an average to calculate the natural frequency.
Calibrating the Shaker
Mount a displacement sensor or accelerometer on the shaking table. Connect it to a data acquisition system or oscilloscope to measure the table’s motion. Drive the shaker with a known input signal and adjust the signal’s amplitude and frequency until the table’s response matches the desired motion profile.
Verifying the Table’s Performance
Perform a series of tests to verify the table’s stability, linearity, and repeatability. Test the table at various acceleration levels and frequencies to ensure it operates within the desired range without introducing significant distortion or resonances.
Table calibration using software
A shake table in Tinkercad can also be calibrated using its built-in software. Typically, this involves specifying the table’s dimensions, mass, and the desired test parameters. The software will then calculate the appropriate parameters for the shaker motor to drive the table accordingly.
Factors affecting calibration
Several factors can affect the calibration of a shake table, including:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Table dimensions and mass | Alters the natural frequency and response | Shaker motor characteristics | Determines the maximum acceleration and frequency range | Mounting conditions | Can introduce resonances or affect stability | Environmental conditions | Temperature and humidity can influence the table’s performance |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully created a basic shake table in Tinkercad. With a little practice, you will be able to create more complex and realistic shake tables. Keep exploring and learning, and remember to have fun!
Refinements
1. Adding a Base
To make your shake table more stable, you can add a base. This will help to prevent the table from wobbling or moving around when you are using it.
2. Adding a Top
You can also add a top to your shake table. This will provide a surface for you to place your objects on.
3. Adding a Motor
If you want to be able to control the movement of your shake table, you can add a motor. This will allow you to create more realistic earthquakes.
4. Adding Sensors
You can also add sensors to your shake table. This will allow you to measure the movement of the table and collect data.
5. Adding a Controller
Finally, you can add a controller to your shake table. This will allow you to control the movement of the table and the sensors.
6. Using Different Materials
You can use different materials to create your shake table. This will affect the weight, strength, and stability of the table.
7. Scaling Your Shake Table
You can scale your shake table to any size. This will allow you to create shake tables for different purposes.
8. Sharing Your Shake Table
Once you have created a shake table, you can share it with others. This will allow them to use and learn from your work.
9. Saving Your Shake Table
Be sure to save your shake table when you are finished. This will allow you to come back and work on it later.
10. Advanced Refinements
There are many advanced refinements that you can make to your shake table. These refinements can improve the accuracy, precision, and realism of your table.
How To Make A Shake Table In Tinkercad
A shake table is a device that is used to simulate the effects of an earthquake on a structure. It is a valuable tool for engineers and scientists who are studying the seismic behavior of buildings and other structures. Shake tables can be used to test the performance of new designs, to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofitting measures, and to develop new earthquake-resistant technologies.
If you are interested in learning how to make a shake table in Tinkercad, there are a few things you will need to do.
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First, you will need to create a Tinkercad account and download the software.
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Once you have installed Tinkercad, you can start creating your shake table.
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Begin by creating a new project and selecting the “Create from template” option.
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In the search bar, type “shake table” and select the template that you want to use.
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Once you have selected a template, click on the “Create” button.
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The template will be added to your project, and you can begin customizing it.
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To customize the shake table, you can change the size, shape, and color of the different parts.
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You can also add additional components to the shake table, such as sensors or actuators.
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Once you are finished customizing the shake table, you can click on the “Export” button to download the file.
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You can then use the file to 3D print the shake table.
People Also Ask About How To Make A Shake Table In Tinkercad
What is the difference between a shake table and a vibration table?
A shake table is a device that is used to simulate the effects of an earthquake on a structure. A vibration table is a device that is used to simulate the effects of vibration on a structure.
What are the different types of shake tables?
There are many different types of shake tables, each with its own unique capabilities. Some of the most common types of shake tables include:
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Uniaxial shake tables: These shake tables can only move in one direction.
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Biaxial shake tables: These shake tables can move in two directions.
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Triaxial shake tables: These shake tables can move in three directions.
What are the advantages of using a shake table?
There are many advantages to using a shake table, including:
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Shake tables can be used to test the performance of new designs.
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Shake tables can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofitting measures.
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Shake tables can be used to develop new earthquake-resistant technologies.
