What We Chose and Why.
1.) We decided to produce a 1-Dimensional model with an option to upgrade later to a 2-Dimensional model. With the time allowed and our lack of experience we want to be sure to construct a working model before trying to build something too complicated.
2.) C02 - We chose CO2 for a couple reasons. It is easily accessible (i.e. paintball canisters), fairly inexpensive - as opposed to compressed nitrogen - and is easily adapted to various regulators.
3.) We chose infrared for our target source. The main reason for choosing this type of target source was the lack of ambient infrared light in a given room. It would be a much more difficult task to try to filter out ambient light in a lit room.
4.) We decided to track a stationary target for a couple reasons. It provided a much more reasonable challenge than attempting to build some type of source that moves at random. It also would allow for some user interaction by being able to place the source anywhere above the model.
Model Picture
Thruster System
The thruster system will start with the CO2 canisters. The CO2 canisters come overly pressurized so we will use a regulator to keep the output pressure at roughly 2atm. From there the flow will travel through a linear actuator which will, based on input from the control system open and close to allow flow into the nozzles. The flow will then enter the converging section of the nozzle where pressure decreases and velocity increases. At the throat, the flow will go sonic and from there exit out of a conical expander at supersonic velocities. These velocities will be enough to propel our device to a location specified by the on board computer.