Primary Submission Contact
Breanna Struss
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. James Caristi
Faculty Sponsor Email Address
james.carisit@valpo.edu
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/Program
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Date
Summer 2015
Abstract
This research project sought to find general track formations that allowed battery operated locomotives to traverse the entire train track in both directions infinitely. These formations allowed for any number of track pieces from TrackMaster Thomas and Friends sets by Fisher Price. The research looked at start position of the train and presetting of the switches as well as what is necessary to have a complete track with no dead ends. Surprisingly, there was found to be only one track formation that allowed for entire traversal of the track in both directions. This layout was termed a "dog bone" and consisted of two switch pieces connected at the ends with the tips of both switches connecting to themselves on the same switch. A proof that this layout is the only layout that satisfies the conditions is given.
Recommended Citation
Struss, Breanna M. and Hamilton, Seth, "Designing a Self-reversing Track Layout with TrackMaster Tracks" (2015). Fall Interdisciplinary Research Symposium. 38.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/fires/38
Additional Presentation Information
Wall Poster
