How Fast, Accurate, and Precise Do Northeastern Student's Throw Darts?
Final Project: Measurements and Analysis, ME4505
Written
November/December, 2022
​
Location
Boston, MA, USA
Data Processing/Results:
This portion of the project involved sorting out poor data using data processing tools including descriptive statistics within Microsoft Excel followed by 2 tailed t-tests, an ANOVA test, and graphical comparisons (some pictured to the right and in the attached document below.
​
Comparisons made:
- initial velocity vs precision
- initial velocity vs accuracy
- precision vs accuracy
- initial velocity vs height
- initial velocity vs experience level
- first vs second vs third throw
​
None of these comparisons showed any relationship through an data analysis process that we learned on our own or in class.
​
For the final project of the course Measurements and Analysis with Thermal Science Application (ME4505), my group members and I set out to answer the question, how fast, accurate, and precise do Northeastern students throw darts?
​
This project did not require (or recommend) a focus on classical mechanical engineering practices such as machining, design, etc. but instead on conducting effective data acquisition practices. By collecting a strong set of data, analyzing it thoroughly and presenting out findings clearly, this seemingly straightforward question was able to be answered in full.
​
Sample of the Northeastern Students:
As a group, we determined a location that would have a lot of northeastern students and ensure a controlled environment. We choose the basement of a northeastern interdisciplinary studied building to have a variety of demographics and reduce traffic to a point where dart's flying around would be safe.
​
​
Data Collection:
We devised a procedure to quickly collect a set of data that could be used in percise data processing. We provided practice throws, used +/- 0.01mm calipers and have set a divison of labor during data collection to minimize the throwers time of involvement allowing for a larger sample size to be gathered in the allowed time.
Using the perimeter length of the triangle created by the three dart's contact points as well as the distance from each contact point to the edge of the board to create a percentage for precision of accuracy. A high speed camera was used to determine initial velocity.
