3 Axis Earthquake Simulator
Description
Khwopa College of Engineering
This is an Earthquake simulator capable of simulating strong ground motion in all three directions i.e in the x,y, and z-axis. This model was demonstrated at CESS-2020 National Exhibition and won the first runner-up prize in the competition. Similarly, it was demonstrated at Bhaktapur Durbar Square on the occasion of National Earthquake Day. The project was observed by respected Home Minister Mr. Ram Bahadur Thapa, and respected Mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality Mr. Sunil Prajapati. In addition, this project was featured in the National Daily Newspaper of Nepal.
The project consists of 2 stepper motors each in the x and y directions, whereas in the z direction, there are 4 stepper motors to compensate vertical load of the model. Three Arduino UNO and three TB660 stepper motor drivers are used for controlling the motion of each direction. A 3-axis accelerometer is placed on the platform to measure the motion data and the data is sent to the computer through serial communication. Graphing software is used to display measured data in real time.
Currently, this model is preserved at the Civil Engineering Department, Khwopa College of Engineering.