Numerical & Experimental Study of 1D Falling Disks

MATLAB ode45 simulations + PASCO experimental automation. Presented at the Maryland Collegiate STEM Conference (2024).

Summary

Ran 100+ high-accuracy time-of-flight trials using PASCO sensors and developed a calibrated MATLAB numerical model with <5% simulation error and 99% timing accuracy.

Tech Used

MATLAB (ode45)
PASCO Capstone sensor automation
Data analysis: Excel

Key Results

99% timing accuracy
6–11% slowdown from drag
<5% model–experiment error

Interactive Simulation

Mass (kg)

0.05 kg

Radius (m)

0.030 m

Drag Coefficient

1.20

Initial Height

1.20 m

Experimental Data

Collected with PASCO Capstone automated system — includes lag correction and nonlinear drag calibration.