WPI ES2502 Stress Analysis, Oct 2020 - Dec 2020

The main objective of the project was to apply the static and stress analysis skills learned in the course to a fun, real-world design challenge. Our five-person team was tasked to design and analyze a new obstacle for American Ninja Warrior. We had to apply the concepts learned throughout this course to our obstacle as well as consider the challenge and appeal to the ANW contestants and audience.

For our obstacle, The Gorilla Wing, contestants must use upper body strength to ascend a 30% climbing pole axis that rotates halfway at the pivot point. Analyzing the course concepts throughout the supports, climbing pole, center rotation pin, and much more resulted in safety factors always in the hundreds.

Our final design allowed us to analyze concepts such as axial stress, pins, torsional shear stress, bending stresses (both normal and shear), and combined loading. The final report and ANW infographic concept are attached.

3D rendering of the Gorilla Wing and axle rotaion mechanism